Indian authorities have confirmed five Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, prompting preventive isolation of nearly a hundred people.
The outbreak has revived regional alarm over one of the deadliest pathogens, with mortality rates reaching 75% and no available vaccine or treatment.
Pigs as silent amplifiers
Nipah was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998, in outbreaks directly linked to pig farms. Fruit bats are the natural reservoir, but pigs have acted as intermediate hosts, amplifying transmission to humans.
The crisis in Malaysia forced the culling of over one million pigs, devastating the local pig industry.
Key points from past outbreaks:
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Pig industry at risk again
Although the West Bengal outbreak has not yet been linked to pigs, experts warn of the potential risk if the virus reaches pig farms.
Pig populations can facilitate silent spread, increasing the danger for farm workers and rural communities. This concern is heightened by India’s dense population and reliance on livestock for food and trade.
A deadly virus
The World Health Organization has listed Nipah among its top ten priority diseases, alongside Covid-19 and Zika, due to epidemic potential.
The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days, complicating detection and containment. People infected may show a wide range of symptoms, or sometimes none at all.
Initial symptoms include:
- ✅ Fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat.
- ✅ In some cases, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and pneumonia.
- ✅ Severe cases may progress to encephalitis, a sometimes-fatal brain inflammation
To date, no drugs of vaccines have been approved to treat Nipah, leaving prevention and surveillance as the only defenses.
Regional vigilance
Following India’s confirmation, neighboring countries are tightening controls. Thailand has begun health checks on Indian passengers, while Nepal raised its alert level.
South Korea classified Nipah as a first-level infectious disease, requiring immediate notification and isolation.
China’s experts have urged stronger quarantine measures for travelers from India.
The memory of pig-related outbreaks in Southeast Asia continues to shape regional preparedness. Authorities stress that surveillance of both bats and pigs remains essential to prevent another livestock-driven crisis.