Nipah Virus: Deadly, Unpredictable Threat; Experts Urge Urgent Vigilance Amid West Bengal Scare

• Two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal prompted a central government response team for containment.
• Nipah is a rare, highly fatal viral infection with up to 75% case fatality, spreading from animals to humans or between people.
• Fruit bats are natural reservoirs; transmission occurs via contaminated food (e.g., bat-contaminated fruit/date palm sap) or close contact.
• Symptoms range from fever and respiratory illness to severe neurological complications like encephalitis; survivors may face long-term issues.
• No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment exists; management is supportive, emphasizing early detection, isolation, and infection control.

Why It Matters: Nipah virus is a deadly, unpredictable threat requiring urgent vigilance, early detection, and strict infection control.