India's Battle Against the Deadly Nipah Virus Outbreak Intensifies

Health officials in India are working to contain an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus, which has already claimed two lives. Nipah is a rare zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans, particularly through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, respiratory illness, brain swelling, and seizures. The virus has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%. There are currently no authorized drugs or vaccines for Nipah, and diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Experts warn that the destruction of natural bat habitats in India may increase the risk of virus spillovers. Nipah is listed as a priority pathogen for urgent research and development by the World Health Organization, as it has the potential to cause a pandemic.