Nipah virus outbreak: key symptoms and what travellers need to know about deadly bat-borne disease
Cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed in India 🚨
- An outbreak of the Nipah virus has been confirmed in India.
- The disease has a high mortality rate, and there is no known treatment or vaccine.
- The UKHSA have updated their advice for holidaymakers travelling to an area with an active outbreak.
Health officials in India have confirmed an outbreak of the bat-borne Nipah virus. Described as a “priority disease” by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it has a high mortality rate and no known treatment.
Two cases were confirmed in health workers on January 13 in Kolkata, West Bengal State, India. Over 100 people who came into contact with them have been quarantined as a precaution, as authorities try to prevent any further cases.
The virus can spread from animals to humans, but person-to-person infection is also possible. Airports in Thailand and Nepal have stepped up health screening similar to what occurred during the Covid pandemic, whilst the UKHSA have issued travel advice to regions with an active outbreak.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that can be spread from animals to humans. It was first documented in 1998 after an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia, and since then has been found in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.
The virus can spread to humans from direct contact with infected animals such as bats, pigs, or horses, or by consuming contaminated fruit or fruit products such as raw date palm juice. It can also spread from person to person, through close contact.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
It can take between four and 21 days for the symptoms of the Nipah virus to develop. They usually appear as a sudden flu-like illness or fever, which can then lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis or meningitis.
Nipah virus has a high mortality rate, with the fatality rate estimated to be between 40% to 75%. There is no known scientific treatment or vaccine. For those who do survive the infection, one in five will experience long-term neurological complications.
What is the advice for tourists?
The likelihood of catching the Nipah virus has been described as “low” by the UKHSA. If you are planning to travel to an area with an active outbreak, there are some steps to take to protect yourself.
Tourists should avoid contact with bats and sick animals, consuming raw or partially fermented date palm sap, washing fruit with clean water and avoiding any fruit partially eaten by animals or from the ground.
If you develop symptoms whilst on holiday, seek medical attention immediately. If you develop signs after returning home from an area where there is an active infection, speak to a healthcare professional and mention your travel history.
The Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, and there is no known scientific treatment available. You can find out more about how to protect yourself when travelling at GOV.UK.