As cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in India, interest is growing domestically, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed that the possibility of a global outbreak is low.
Nipah virus infection is a disease that can occur when a person comes into contact with animals infected with the Nipah virus, such as fruit bats or pigs, or consumes contaminated food. The known mortality rate is relatively high at 40-75%, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment, making it a highly dangerous disease.
Recently, the infection of two healthcare workers with the Nipah virus was confirmed in West Bengal, India, prompting nearby countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong to strengthen quarantine measures to prevent the spread. The domestic Disease Control Agency also designated India and Bangladesh as 'quarantine management areas' since September last year and classified Nipah virus infection as a Class 1 legal infectious disease.
However, the WHO is cautious about excessive fear. While it is necessary to be careful when visiting areas at risk of infection, there are currently no signs of the infection spreading outside of India. This is because there is still no evidence that the Nipah virus can be transmitted between humans.
According to an official announcement from Indian health authorities, 196 individuals who were confirmed to have come into contact with the two confirmed cases showed no symptoms, and all test results were negative. No additional cases of infection have been reported.
Although cases of Nipah virus infection are reported almost every year in Bangladesh and India, it is believed that the primary source of infection is fruit bats contaminating fruits and palm trees with their urine or saliva.
In a written interview with Reuters and others, the WHO stated, "While it is necessary to be cautious of Nipah due to the lack of vaccines or treatments, high mortality rates, and the potential for mutations, the currently known small-scale outbreaks are not considered unusual on an annual basis," and added, "It is not to the extent that travel or trade restrictions are recommended to suppress outbreaks."
Im Seung-kwan, the head of the Disease Control Agency, stated, "Currently, there are no additional cases outside of India, but given the high mortality rate upon infection, it is necessary to be cautious to avoid exposure to risk," and advised, "If you have visited India or Bangladesh, please refrain from drinking contaminated beverages or coming into contact with animals, and maintain thorough personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently."
