US EditionWHO Says Nipah Virus Risk Low in India with No Sign of Spread
WHO says India can contain Nipah virus after two cases with 40-75% fatality; no travel restrictions advised despite ongoing bat virus reservoir risks.
- On Jan 30, the World Health Organization assessed the risk of Nipah virus spreading from India as low and said it does not recommend travel or trade restrictions after two infected health workers in West Bengal.
- Nipah spreads mainly via bats and contaminated fruit, with Indian health authorities investigating the source as person-to-person spread requires prolonged contact and remains limited.
- Nipah’s high fatality and vaccine gap mean it has a fatality rate 40 per cent to 75 per cent, no cure, and India’s outbreak count is the seventh documented; third in West Bengal.
- Several Asian locations tightened airport screening this week, and WHO coordinated with Indian health authorities while noting no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission.
- Experts note that outbreaks remain sporadic in India, with Kerala historically higher-risk while caregivers and close contacts face local exposure, keeping general population risk low.
25 Articles
25 Articles
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that there is a low risk of the Nipah virus spreading from India.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided some comforting information regarding the Nipah virus. The organization states that the risk of Nipah spreading from India is currently low, and the country's ability to manage the situation has been proven. The WHO clarified that there is no need to impose any restrictions on travel or trade at this time, although it is important to remain vigilant.
WHO says risk of Nipah virus spread from India is ‘low’, no travel curbs advised
The agency said there is no evidence yet of increased human-to-human transmission, but did not rule out further exposure to the virus circulating in bats in parts of India and Bangladesh.
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are among Asian countries that have stepped up airport screening this week to guard against the potential spread of the virus.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
