Officials in India are currently working to contain an outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal. The virus has infected at least five people, primarily healthcare workers. This situation is being closely watched because the virus is highly deadly and has no known vaccine or cure.
The Nipah virus is a “zoonotic” illness, meaning it jumps from animals to humans. It is naturally carried by fruit bats but can also infect pigs. Humans can catch it through direct contact with sick animals, eating contaminated food, or through close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms often begin like a common flu, with fever, headache, and muscle pain. However, the condition can quickly turn serious. It may lead to severe breathing problems or brain swelling, which can cause a coma within just 24 to 48 hours.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that this virus has “epidemic potential.” It is particularly dangerous because the mortality rate is very high, with up to 75% of cases resulting in death.
To stay safe, health experts advise washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. It is also important to avoid raw date palm sap or fruits that appear to have been bitten by bats. Nearly 100 people are currently in quarantine to help prevent the virus from spreading further.