Nipah Virus: WHO Evaluates Global Risk Amid Limited Treatment Options

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend imposing travel or trade restrictions following reported cases of Nipah virus infection in India.

In January, two confirmed cases of infection were recorded in the state of West Bengal. According to the WHO, the infected individuals were two healthcare workers at a private hospital. Indian authorities have tracked nearly 200 contacts, and no new cases have been identified. Experts have not recorded any signs of sustained human-to-human transmission.

"The regional and global risk of the infection spreading is assessed as low," WHO representatives noted.

 The organization emphasized that based on current data, it does not recommend any restrictions on international travel or trade.

The Nipah virus is a rare but dangerous infection transmitted from animals to humans and, in some cases, between people through close contact. According to WHO data, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this virus, and the fatality rate in various outbreaks has ranged from 40% to 75%.

Previously, the organization included the Nipah virus on the list of pathogens that could potentially cause serious international outbreaks.

In response to reports from India, Kazakhstan has strengthened sanitary and quarantine controls at its borders; however, no cases of infection or importation of the virus into the country have been detected.