Nipah Virus in India: Five People Infected

New cases related to the Nipah virus have been identified in India. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

At least five people in the state of West Bengal have been confirmed to be infected with this virus. Among the infected are healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses.

According to information, nearly 100 citizens have been quarantined at home. Patients infected with the virus are being treated in medical institutions in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Experts remind that the Nipah virus is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the most dangerous pathogens. The mortality rate of this virus is very high — it can reach 40–75 percent.

Currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment method against the virus. Patients are treated only with therapies aimed at alleviating symptoms.

Bats are identified as the main carriers of the virus. The infection can be transmitted through animals, food products, or from person to person.

The incubation period usually lasts from 4 to 21 days. The disease typically begins with high fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness.

Some patients experience cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. One of the most dangerous complications is encephalitis.

This condition can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma in the patient. Some survivors experience long-term complications, including recurrent encephalitis.

The Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999. Since then, the spread of the virus has mainly been recorded in Bangladesh and India.

Due to the high risk of the virus, preventive measures and timely detection of the disease are considered important.