two cases of deadly Nipah virus in India Authorities in Thailand and Malaysia have urged increased airport screening to prevent the spread of infection.

But what is Nipah v?Illus, and how worried should people be? Here are some answers.

India’s Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that two Nipah cases have been detected since December and all identified contacts have been isolated and tested. The ministry did not provide details about the patient, but said 196 contacts were traced and all tested negative.

“The situation is being continuously monitored and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the ministry said.

There were no reports of virus cases outside India, but several countries in Asia have introduced or increased screening measures at airports as a precaution.

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah is a rare viral infection that spreads primarily to humans from infected animals, primarily fruit bats. Even reeds are fine.mptomatic, but often very dangerous. mortality rate According to the World Health Organization, there is a 40 to 75 percent chance of infection, depending on the detection and control capabilities of local health systems.

But experts and governments say that while it can be transmitted from person to person, it is not easily transmitted and outbreaks are usually small and well contained. European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Vaccine candidates are under development, but none have yet been approved.

How common is it?

Nipah was the first Since then, small outbreaks have occurred almost every year, mainly in Bangladesh. Sporadic outbreaks are also seen in India.

According to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, an organization that tracks emerging infectious disease threats and funds the development of medical tools to protect against them, there were a total of 750 cases and 415 deaths in December.

How does it spread?

when first identified Malaysia, Nipah SpreadlerIt gels on direct contact with sick pigs or contaminated tissue. Since then, scientists say it is increasingly spread through contact with its natural host, the flying fox.

More specifically, WHO says the most likely source of infection is ingestion of fruit or fruit products (such as raw date juice) containing the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission is primarily confirmed after close contact between sick patients and their family members or caregivers.

What symptoms do you have?

early symptomsNipah om, such Fever, headache, and muscle pain are not unique and can be confused with other illnesses. This may be followed by neurological signs of acute encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and some people may experience severe respiratory illness.

See | Nipah outbreak in India in 2018:

Rare Nipah virus infection flares up in India

Ten people have died after contracting the Nipah virus, which is thought to be transmitted by fruit bats and other animals.

In severe cases, seizures occur and the person becomes comatose within a few days. Most people who recover make a full recovery, but some may experience long-term neurological problems.

How worried should I be?

HmmIl Nipa is an advertisementAlthough it is a deadly and frightening disease, scientists say there are no signs yet that it will become more transmissible among humans or spread easily around the world.

However, it remains a significant public health concern, especially in countries where outbreaks are more common, according to the WHO. It could also lead to mass culling of livestock such as pigs, which are susceptible to the virus.

Scientists say the virus is unlikely to spread globally, but they also note that airport testing may be ineffective due to the virus’ long incubation period.

What vaccines and treatments are available?

None currently approved Many candidates are being tested for vaccines and treatments for Nipah; including one developed by Scientists at the University of Oxford are involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine.

ThGive us the Air Nipa vaccineuses the same technology and began a Phase 2 trial in Bangladesh in December, in collaboration with the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research in Bangladesh and with funding from the Coalition for Emergency Preparedness Innovations.