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India has recently reported fresh cases of Nipah virus, raising public concern. Nipah virus, also called NiV, is rare but serious. It can cause severe illness and even death, so health authorities are taking immediate action to control outbreaks. The National Centre for Disease Control confirmed two cases in West Bengal since December, and the government has implemented public health measures to prevent further spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Nipah is a zoonotic virus, which means it can spread from animals to humans, and in some cases, from one person to another. Fruit bats of the flying fox family (Pteropus bats) are the natural carriers of the virus. Humans can get infected by touching bats, eating food contaminated by bats, or, rarely, by being in close contact with an infected person. In some cases, infected animals like pigs can also transmit the virus.

Outbreaks are usually localised, but early detection and awareness are key to preventing wider transmission. Nipah virus can cause mild symptoms or serious conditions like encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. The severity depends on the patient’s health and how quickly medical care is received.

Symptoms, risks and prevention

Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms usually appear 4 to 14 days after exposure, though in rare cases, incubation can last up to 45 days. Early signs resemble common viral infections and include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Sore throat

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

Severe symptoms may develop within days and can include:

• Dizziness or drowsiness

• Confusion or disorientation

• Seizures

• Difficulty breathing

• Acute encephalitis

• Coma in critical cases

The WHO estimates the fatality rate of Nipah virus to be between 40 and 75 per cent, depending on access to healthcare and the speed of medical response.

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How the virus spreads

Nipah can spread in three main ways:

1. Animal to human:

   • Contact with infected fruit bats

   • Eating food contaminated with bat saliva or urine, such as raw date palm sap

   • Contact with infected animals like pigs

2. Human to human:

   • Close contact with an infected person

   • Exposure to bodily fluids, including respiratory secretions

   • Transmission has been reported among family members and healthcare workers

3. Environmental exposure:

   • Eating fruit partially eaten or contaminated by bats

Prevention measures

Health authorities stress that knowing the symptoms and avoiding high-risk exposure are crucial. Simple steps can protect individuals and communities:

Community-level precautions:

• Avoid raw date palm sap

• Wash fruits thoroughly and peel before eating

• Do not eat fruits that appear bitten or damaged

• Avoid contact with bats and sick animals

Personal hygiene and safety:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water

• Use gloves when handling animals or animal waste

• Follow safe food-handling practices

Early detection, careful hygiene, and avoiding risky foods are essential to reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical help promptly if symptoms appear is critical for survival and preventing further spread.

Public cooperation, awareness, and science-based precautions remain the strongest tools to limit the impact of Nipah virus outbreaks. Following these steps can help protect yourself, your family, and your community while authorities monitor and respond to cases in India.