Summary
A Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India has led to five confirmed infections and about 100 people being quarantined. The Nipah virus is spread by fruit bats and can cause severe symptoms, including brain swelling. The virus first appeared in Malaysia in 1998 and has led to outbreaks in several countries, with no vaccine or specific treatment available.
Key Facts
- The latest Nipah virus outbreak is happening in West Bengal, India, with five confirmed cases.
- Nipah virus is primarily spread by fruit bats and is known for high fatality rates.
- The first known outbreak was in Malaysia in 1998, causing 265 cases and 105 deaths.
- The virus causes symptoms like fever and brain swelling (encephalitis), which can be severe.
- Bangladesh has experienced the most outbreaks, with 347 cases and 249 deaths since 2001.
- Contamination often occurs through bats interacting with date palm sap, especially in winter.
- India has had four outbreaks with 106 cases since 2001, the deadliest in Kerala in 2018.
- The Philippines reported one outbreak in 2014 with 17 cases and 9 deaths.
