German media: Nearly 200 people in India isolated, what you need to know about the Nipah virus?

The Nipah virus outbreak in India has drawn international attention. The Indian government stated that as of Tuesday, two cases of Nipah virus infection have been confirmed within the country, and all individuals who have had contact with the infected persons have been isolated and tested, with the number exceeding 190.

The Indian government stated on Tuesday, January 27, that since the case was first noticed in December last year, only two positive Nipah virus test results have been confirmed in the eastern part of West Bengal. Previous preliminary reports indicated that there may have been five infection cases in the area, but subsequent Indian test results confirmed only two cases.

The Indian government said that 196 close contacts related to the confirmed cases have been isolated, mainly medical staff or family members of the patients.

As the related reports have attracted attention from neighboring countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, and other countries have announced enhanced inspections at airports for travelers coming from the affected areas.

Hong Kong released a press release on Monday, 26, stating that it has requested relevant information from the Indian health authorities, and also conducts tests on travelers coming from the affected areas who show suspected symptoms.

The National Health Commission of China stated on Tuesday that the country has not yet found any cases of Nipah virus infection, but there is still a risk of importation from abroad. The agency stated that Nipah virus disease is mainly transmitted through direct contact, and the virus has weak viability in the environment, so the chance of general people being infected by contact is low, thus the impact of this outbreak in India on China is relatively small.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan stated that considering the continued occurrence of Nipah virus infections internationally, it has announced that it will officially classify Nipah virus infection as a fifth-class statutory infectious disease starting in mid-March this year. The airports and ports in Taiwan will maintain existing routine fever screening measures, without imposing restrictions on specific countries. According to official data from the ministry, fifth-class statutory infectious diseases include new influenza A, Marburg virus, and Ebola virus, among others.

The Chinese state media Global Times quoted a World Health Organization (WHO) official on Tuesday, reporting that the organization believes the further spread of the Nipah virus in India poses a low risk, and there is currently no evidence showing an increase in human-to-human transmission. It also stated that from past outbreaks, India has shown the ability to control such outbreaks.

What is the Nipah virus?

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The incubation period of the virus is approximately between 4 to 21 days.

According to the statements of multiple national health agencies, the Nipah virus mainly exists in fruit bats in nature. Humans may become infected through direct contact with infected animals, consuming food contaminated with the urine or saliva of fruit bats, or through human-to-human transmission.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the mortality rate of the Nipah virus is about 40% to 75%. After infection, it may cause fever, headache, cough, muscle pain, convulsions, and vomiting. Severe patients may also experience symptoms such as fatal encephalitis. Most patients with acute encephalitis can fully recover, but some survivors may develop long-term neurological disorders.

It is reported that there are currently no approved drugs or vaccines for the treatment of Nipah virus. The main treatment method is supportive therapy.

The WHO states that the best way to prevent infection is to increase understanding of risk factors. This includes preventing fruit bats from contacting date palm sap, boiling date palm sap before drinking, thoroughly washing and peeling fruits, discarding fruits bitten by bats, and avoiding close contact with infected persons.

Data shows that the Nipah virus was first discovered in pig farmers in Malaysia in 1999, and Singapore also reported an outbreak the following year. In 2001, Bangladesh also reported confirmed cases, and since then, cases have occurred almost every year. Cases have also occasionally appeared in the eastern regions of India.

In addition, evidence of the presence of the Nipah virus has been found in fruit bats in several countries, including Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand, indicating that other regions may also face the risk of infection.

Source: DW

Outbreak of Nipah Virus in India

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855578432731136/

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