According to information published by The Economic Times, five cases of Nipah virus infection have been registered in the state of West Bengal, three of which were identified this week. Among the affected are healthcare workers, including a doctor and a nurse.
Two nurses who worked at a private hospital near Kolkata contracted the virus shortly after the New Year holidays. They are experiencing high fever and respiratory issues, with one of them having fallen into a coma. It is believed that the virus may have been contracted while caring for a patient who died before tests could be conducted.
In response to the outbreak, Indian authorities have quarantined about 100 people.
The Nipah virus is considered extremely dangerous as there is neither a vaccine nor treatment available. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as a high-risk pathogen, with a fatality rate ranging from 40% to 70%, as it can cause brain swelling.
Transmission of the virus is rare, most commonly occurring through bats or contaminated fruits. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue. In some cases, cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia may develop.
Source: RBC
