India(The COW News Digital)Health authorities in India have sounded the alarm after five confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus were reported in the eastern state of West Bengal, raising concerns about a possible wider outbreak and prompting heightened surveillance across the region.
According to Indian media reports, health departments have moved swiftly to isolate affected patients and trace contacts in an effort to contain the virus. Medical teams have been deployed, and emergency response protocols have been activated amid fears of human-to-human transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned that the Nipah virus carries a high fatality rate, ranging between 40 and 75 percent. The virus, which is transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread through close human contact, has no specific vaccine or proven antiviral treatment, making early detection and containment critical.
Read More:
- Trump Warns Iran, Says Response Does Not Mean Troop Deployment
- US Navy Seizes Russian Vessel Evading Venezuela Blockade
- UK and France Agree on Troop Deployment for Ukraine
Due to the potential risk of cross-border spread, several Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal have initiated screening measures at airports and border entry points. Health officials in these countries are closely monitoring travelers arriving from affected regions in India.
Pakistan has also taken precautionary steps in response to the emerging threat. Authorities have made 100 percent screening mandatory for all passengers arriving in or transiting through the country. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a formal alert and advisory, instructing strict surveillance at airports, seaports, and land border crossings nationwide.
Under the new guidelines, no passenger will be allowed entry into Pakistan without medical clearance. Officials have also directed immigration and health authorities to verify the complete travel history of passengers for the past 21 days to identify any potential exposure to the virus.
Medical experts have emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging people to follow health advisories, maintain hygiene, and immediately report symptoms such as fever, headache, respiratory distress, or neurological signs. Hospitals have been advised to remain on high alert and ensure isolation facilities are ready in case of suspected infections.
The Nipah virus has caused deadly outbreaks in South Asia in the past, particularly in India and Bangladesh, often linked to contact with infected fruit bats or contaminated food. Given its history and high mortality rate, the latest cases have renewed fears of another serious public health challenge.
As investigations continue in West Bengal, Indian authorities are working with international health bodies to assess the situation and prevent further spread. Officials across the region have stressed that coordinated action and timely screening are essential to avoid escalation.
The situation remains under close watch as health agencies prepare for all possible scenarios, hoping early measures will prevent the virus from turning into a larger regional crisis.
