According to a warning from the World Health Organization, the virus has a high potential for spread and could lead to a new pandemic. The outbreak was detected near Kolkata in the state of West Bengal, where five cases of infection have been recorded, three of which occurred this week. Among the affected are a doctor, a nurse, and a healthcare worker.
In a private hospital, two nurses who worked with patients immediately after the New Year holidays also became infected. Both exhibited high fever and respiratory problems; one of them fell into a coma. It is believed that the virus may have been contracted while treating a patient who died before tests could be conducted.
Indian authorities have taken precautionary measures by placing about 100 people under quarantine.
The Nipah virus has a fatality rate of 40 to 70 percent, and currently, there is neither a vaccine nor specific treatment available. The infection can be transmitted through bats or contaminated fruits.
Key symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, and pronounced weakness. In some cases, cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia may develop.
