31/01/2026
WHAT IS NIPAH VIRUS? 🤔
Nipah is a virus that can spread from animals to humans, contaminated food, or close contact with infected people. Fruit bats are the main carriers.
HOW SERIOUS IS IT? ⚠️
Nipah can be deadly, with a fatality rate of 40–75%. It can cause flu-like symptoms at first, then breathing problems, and in severe cases, brain inflammation.
COMMON SYMPTOMS 🤒
Fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. Some patients develop pneumonia or brain swelling days later.
WHERE IS IT FOUND? 🌍
First detected in Malaysia and Singapore in the late 1990s. More recent outbreaks have happened in Bangladesh and parts of India, including Kerala and West Bengal.
IS IT CONTAGIOUS? 😷
Yes — Nipah can spread from person to person, but it requires close contact. Most transmissions occur among family members or healthcare workers caring for infected patients, not through casual or airborne exposure.
IS THERE A CURE OR VACCINE? 💉
There is no proven treatment or vaccine yet. Care focuses on supporting the patient, especially in severe cases.
HOW ARE COUNTRIES RESPONDING? 🚨
Several countries have increased airport screening, monitoring, and surveillance to prevent spread. Health authorities say the risk of widespread transmission is low.
HOW CAN WE PREVENT IT? ✅
• Avoid contact with bats and sick animals
• Wash and peel fruit before eating
• Avoid fruit found on the ground
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• See a doctor if you feel unwell, especially after travel
Health officials say the situation is being closely monitored and contained.