The World Health Organisation (WHO) has clarified that the risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading from India remains low and does not warrant any travel or trade restrictions. The WHO’s remarks came following the confirmation of two cases of Nipah Virus disease at North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. The organization said, it has been working closely with Indian health authorities and found no evidence yet of increased human-to-human transmission.
WHO said, the government of India deployed an outbreak response team to West Bengal to work closely with state authorities. It said, enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control measures, and field investigations are underway. It added the early coordinated efforts between central and state health teams have enabled timely containment of the outbreak. Earlier, Health and Family Welfare Ministry issued a clarification after speculative and incorrect figures regarding Nipah Virus disease were circulated in certain sections of the media. The Ministry said, after confirmation of two cases, the Government initiated prompt and comprehensive public health measures in accordance with established protocols.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted mainly from bats to humans, sometimes through contaminated food or close contact. With no licensed vaccine or treatment currently available, early detection, supportive care, and strong infection prevention measures remain essential.
