India Reports 2 Cases; Experts Say Human-to-Human Spread Remains Limited
Geneva, Switzerland – Web Desk: The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk of Nipah virus spreading globally remains low. Following the confirmation of two cases in India, WHO confirmed that the likelihood of widespread human-to-human transmission is minimal.
The recent cases emerged in India’s eastern state of West Bengal, involving two health workers who are currently under treatment. WHO emphasized that India has the capacity to manage such outbreaks and is in close coordination with local health authorities.
Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans through fruit bats and certain animals like pigs. Symptoms include fever and encephalitis, with reported fatality rates between 40–75%. While there is currently no approved treatment, vaccine research is ongoing. WHO reassured the public that, due to the virus’s limited transmissibility, general population risk remains low, though vigilance is advised in regions with bat populations in India and Bangladesh.
