India declares Nipah virus outbreak under control in region

Indian Officials Report Containment of Nipah Virus Outbreak

India has confirmed two cases of the Nipah virus in West Bengal state, prompting several Asian countries to introduce screening measures for travelers arriving from India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that the outbreak has been “timely contained” through enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations.

According to the ministry, 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases have been identified, traced, monitored, and tested, with all results showing negative findings for the virus. This statement was made in response to reports of speculative and incorrect figures regarding the outbreak.

Several Asian countries have taken measures to screen travelers arriving from India, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. These measures include health declarations, temperature checks, and visual monitoring at airports and land crossings.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human-to-human contact. There is no vaccine available to treat the virus, which can cause severe symptoms such as fevers, convulsions, and vomiting. The World Health Organization estimates that the virus has a mortality rate of between 40-75 percent.

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has assured that the situation is being closely monitored, with all necessary public health measures in place. Local authorities have been instructed to increase monitoring at border crossings, health facilities, and communities.

Source: Al Jazeera