India Reports Two More Fatal Nipah Virus Cases, Asian Neighbors Begin Screening
India has reported two more fatal cases of the Nipah virus, drawing attention from many countries or regions in Asia. Authorities in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Nepal have increased airport screening to prevent the spread of the epidemic.
According to Reuters, the host animals of the Nipah virus include fruit bats and pigs, which can cause fever and brain inflammation, with a fatality rate between 40% and 75%.
It is reported that although the Nipah virus can be transmitted from person to person, it is not easily transmitted, usually requiring prolonged contact with an infected person. This virus is more commonly transmitted to humans through infected bats or contaminated fruits.
According to Reuters and the BBC, since last December, two cases have been confirmed in the West Bengal state of India, both of whom were medical staff.
A local health official told Reuters that they are being treated at a local hospital. The Indian Ministry of Health stated that about 196 people who had contact with them have been tracked, and all their virus test results are negative.
It is reported that after India announced the outbreak, neighboring Southeast Asian countries, Nepal, and Hong Kong authorities have entered a state of alert. Thailand has started screening passengers arriving from three airports in the West Bengal region of India.
Nepal has also begun screening passengers entering from Kathmandu Airport, as well as land border crossings along the India border.
The Singapore Infectious Disease Control Authority said on the 28th that temperature checks will be implemented at airports for flights coming from the epidemic areas of India.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855604624806920/
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