Nepal on high alert after Nipah Virus outbreak reported in West Bengal - english.makalukhabar.com

KATHMANDU: Following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India’s West Bengal state, Nepal’s Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has instructed all concerned agencies to remain on high alert. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the fatality rate of the Nipah virus ranges between 40 and 75 percent, making it one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases. The EDCD convened an emergency consultation meeting on Thursday afternoon. “The situation in West Bengal has made us more vigilant. We have discussed necessary precautionary measures,” an official from the division said on condition of anonymity. “We will issue directives to all relevant bodies to enhance preparedness and prevention.” At least two suspected cases of Nipah virus were recently identified at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in West Bengal. The infected individuals, reportedly healthcare workers, are said to be in critical condition. Doctors explain that, like COVID-19, the Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease—meaning it spreads from animals to humans. However, it is far more lethal. The virus is primarily transmitted through infected animals, and consumption of contaminated meat can also spread the disease. In several countries, including India, cases of human-to-human transmission have also been recorded. Fruit bats are considered the main carriers of the virus. Since bats are also found in Nepal, health experts warn that the country remains vulnerable to a possible outbreak. Additionally, hundreds of people cross the West Bengal–Nepal border daily, particularly into Koshi Province, increasing the risk of cross-border transmission. Medical experts say many of Nipah’s symptoms resemble those of COVID-19, but the patient’s condition deteriorates much faster. Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 14 days of infection and may include fever, headache, breathing difficulties, and neurological complications. The Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, where people exposed to infected pigs suffered from respiratory illnesses and brain inflammation. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 300 cases of Nipah virus have been reported globally so far, with around 100 deaths. India has witnessed multiple outbreaks. In 2001, 66 people were infected in West Bengal, of whom 45 died. The outbreak reoccurred in 2007, killing all five infected individuals. In 2018, Kerala reported 17 deaths due to the virus. “This virus is far more dangerous than most respiratory infections,” said Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, Chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu. “Its primary hosts—bats and pigs—are found in Nepal. Human-to-human transmission is also possible.” Doctors warn that due to similar environmental conditions and open borders, infected bats and people could easily enter Nepal. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for the Nipah virus. Patients are treated based on symptoms and supportive care. Health authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and report any unusual symptoms immediately. Nipah Virus: Symptoms & Prevention Symptoms Symptoms can appear 4–14 days after exposure and may range from mild to severe: Early symptoms: Fever Headache Muscle pain Vomiting Sore throat Fatigue Severe symptoms: Dizziness Drowsiness Confusion or disorientation Difficulty breathing Seizures Encephalitis (brain inflammation) Coma (in extreme cases) Prevention There is no specific vaccine for Nipah virus yet, so prevention is very important: Personal safety: Avoid eating fruits bitten by bats Do not drink raw date palm sap Wash fruits thoroughly before eating Maintain good hand hygiene Animal contact: Avoid contact with sick animals (especially pigs and bats) Do not handle dead animals without protection Human-to-human prevention: Avoid close contact with infected persons Use masks and gloves when caring for patients Follow hospital infection-control rules Community level: Public awareness Early detection and isolation of cases Safe burial practices