Road blockade due to Nipah affected areas at Chathamangalam panjayat on September 08, 2021 in Kozhikode, India. (Photo by C. K Thanseer/DeFodi images via Getty Images)
Research shows that fruit bats are the virus’s natural hosts. While Nipah circulates among bat populations throughout Asia and Africa, human infections have largely been limited to South and Southeast Asia.
There is still no proven treatment or vaccine for the Nipah virus.
Tightened health screening
Treatment for Nipah is mainly supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms as they occur. The WHO recommends preventive steps such as avoiding raw date palm sap or fruit that may have been contaminated by bats, ensuring food is thoroughly cooked, and minimizing contact with infected people or animals.
Officials believe the current outbreak in West Bengal began within a hospital setting. Initial positive cases included a male and female nurse, followed by a doctor, another nurse, and a hospital staff member.
Although Nipah has not typically caused widespread outbreaks, several Asian countries are now taking precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmission.