WHO Downplays Nipah Spread Risk

The World Health Organization said on Friday that the risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading beyond India remains low, adding that it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions following the confirmation of two cases in the South Asian country.

Nipah virus, which is carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs, can cause severe illness including fever and encephalitis. Fatality rates range from 40 to 75 percent, making it one of the most dangerous emerging zoonotic viruses.

Despite being infectious, person to person transmission is considered difficult and usually requires prolonged close contact with an infected individual. The virus most commonly spreads to humans through exposure to infected bats or the consumption of fruit contaminated by them.

The infections in India were detected in late December. Virologists said the overall risk to the general population remains low, while health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Several vaccines are currently under development, although they remain in the testing phase.

Efstathios Giotis, a lecturer in molecular virology at the University of Essex, said that while caution is justified, there is currently no evidence pointing to a broader public health threat.