Recent news of the Nipah virus cases in India has prompted several neighboring Asian countries to increase health surveillance and screening measures. Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam are among the nations tightening controls at airports and other points of entry to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. As authorities work to contain the situation, it raises important questions about the nature of the Nipah virus and its potential risks.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection
Diagnosing Nipah virus in its early stages can be challenging because its initial symptoms often mimic those of the flu. According to the CDC, symptoms typically appear between four and 14 days after exposure. The infection can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough and sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
In severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. This can lead to more critical symptoms like disorientation, drowsiness, and seizures. These severe symptoms can quickly progress to a coma, sometimes within just 24 to 48 hours.
A High Fatality Rate
One of the most alarming aspects of the Nipah virus is its high mortality rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%. This figure can vary depending on the local healthcare system's capacity for early detection and management. Since the virus was first identified, there have been approximately 750 confirmed infections globally, resulting in 415 deaths as of late 2025.
Currently, there are no specific licensed treatments or vaccines for the Nipah virus. Medical care is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms, providing rest, and ensuring the patient stays hydrated. However, researchers are exploring potential treatments. A monoclonal antibody treatment has completed early-phase clinical trials and is being used on a compassionate basis. Additionally, studies on nonhuman primates suggest that remdesivir, an antiviral medication used for COVID-19, may be effective against Nipah.
How Does the Virus Spread?
Nipah virus spreads primarily through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. Fruit bats are the main carriers, and they can contaminate food sources like fruit or date palm sap, which people then consume.
Person-to-person transmission can also occur, though it is less common. It typically happens through close contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva or respiratory droplets. This puts family members and healthcare workers caring for infected individuals at a higher risk. In the recent cases in India, both infected individuals were health workers. Experts emphasize that following standard infection control precautions, like wearing masks and gloves, is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent transmission.
Could Nipah Become the New COVID?
With the memory of the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh, any news of a deadly virus sparks concern about its potential for global spread. However, experts believe it is very unlikely that Nipah virus will cause a global emergency on the scale of COVID-19.
The primary reason is its lower transmissibility. Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which spreads easily through the air, Nipah virus requires much closer and more prolonged contact for person-to-person transmission. The sporadic nature of outbreaks and the limited number of cases in each event support this assessment. While the world is highly interconnected, the probability of an infected individual or animal carrying the virus across continents remains low.
Indian health authorities have acted swiftly to contain the recent cases, identifying and tracing nearly 200 contacts, none of whom have shown symptoms or tested positive. This rapid response is key to preventing wider spread.
Experts suggest that factors like habitat destruction and climate change are increasing the frequency of contact between humans and infected wildlife. As animal populations move into areas with more people, the risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans grows.
