The Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats and pigs, carrying a high fatality rate of 40% to 75%. India recently confirmed two cases in West Bengal, prompting several Asian nations to implement airport screenings and health checks for travelers arriving from the country. Symptoms often begin with fever and respiratory issues but can escalate to severe brain swelling and seizures, though human-to-human transmission is generally considered low. Health authorities have emphasized that the current cases were contained through enhanced surveillance.
Date: January 28, 2026. Source: theguardian.com