Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal: Risks, Prevention, and Global Vigilance

• India reports fresh Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, prompting heightened vigilance from health authorities and neighboring countries.
• Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen primarily carried by fruit bats, transmissible to humans through infected animals, contaminated food, or close contact with infected individuals.
• Symptoms range from flu-like signs (fever, headache, cough) to severe neurological complications like encephalitis, seizures, and coma, with a 4-14 day incubation period.
• High-risk groups include healthcare workers, family caregivers, animal handlers, and residents in outbreak areas; close and prolonged contact is the main transmission driver.
• Prevention is crucial as there's no specific treatment or vaccine: avoid contact with carriers, contaminated food, and practice strict hygiene and infection control.

Why It Matters: Nipah virus cases in West Bengal necessitate understanding risks, prevention, and global vigilance due to its zoonotic nature.