Deadly Infectious Agent WHO warns of the Nipha virus

Dangerous Nipha virus responsible for numerous deaths in India

The Nipah virus has caused numerous deaths in India. There is no vaccine or causal therapy against the deadly pathogen. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains how to limit the transmission risk of the pathogen.

Nipha virus claims several deaths

In southern India, several people have died from infections with the dangerous Nipah virus. According to the Kerala Department of Health, the fatal pathogen has already claimed at least ten lives. In addition, there are numerous suspected cases. Around 100 people were quarantined. Kerala Health Minister Rajeev Sadanandan told the BBC that hospital workers who treated the patients are also among the victims.

In India, at least ten people have died after being infected with the Nipha virus. There is no vaccine and no causal therapy against the dangerous pathogen. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

Risk to public health

"We sent blood and body fluid samples of suspected cases to the National Virology Institute in Pune for approval," said the minister.

"We are now focusing on precautions to prevent the spread of the disease as treatment is limited to supportive care."

The Nipha virus is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its list of diseases and pathogens that "pose a risk to public health and for which there are no or inadequate countermeasures".

This list has recently caused a worldwide sensation as WHO also added an unknown disease X that could threaten a global health emergency.

The Nipha virus, first detected in Malaysia in 1998, has no vaccine or causal treatment.

Only the symptoms can be alleviated medically. The mortality rate is according to "BBC" at 70 percent.

Reduce transmission risk

The "Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals (bats, pigs) to humans and also directly from person to person," the WHO writes on its website.

"In the absence of a licensed vaccine, the only way to reduce human infection is to raise awareness of the risk factors," say the experts.

They explain how to reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission: "Close, unprotected contact with Nipah virus-infected individuals should be avoided."

And: "Regular hand washing should be done after nursing or visiting sick people."

In order to reduce the risk of transmission of infected bats to humans, animals should be restricted from access to fresh food.

In addition, fruits that may have come into contact with bats should not be consumed, or only if they have previously been washed long enough and then peeled.

Permanent disease consequences

According to health experts, after a period of less than two weeks of incubation, the disease is marked by a high fever and flu-like symptoms such as headache and dizziness.

In the further course it can come among other things to respiratory illnesses and killer meningitis.

It is also known that patients can experience long-term consequences such as personality changes and epilepsy. (Ad)