A virus that originated in a type of fruit bat has been identified in India, spurring protective public health measures across that country. The Nipah virus is a potentially lethal disease that has caused outbreaks in parts of Asia, according to the WHO.
While the virus has not been detected in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued any travel health alerts for the Nipah virus as of Feb. 3, airports in parts of Asia implemented public health screenings. As reported by ABC, airports in Thailand and Indonesia stepped up screenings, while Vietnam and China increased monitoring at border areas.
California public health officials said the risk of contracting the Nipah virus for Californians is low. “This includes travelers to the region where Nipah is present who practice regular travel precautions,” said officials from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). “The CDC has not issued a travel advisory associated with the current cases of Nipah in West Bengal.”
The CDPH monitors information about emerging infectious diseases around the world including Nipah virus and works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess the risks of different diseases.
In addition, California recently joined the WHO-coordinated Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) to enhance California’s preparedness for such infectious disease threats.
“CDPH also relies on front-line health care providers to notify public health officials of patients who present with signs and symptoms possibly related to an exotic disease, including Nipah virus,” said officials from the CDPH. “Local public health officials and CDPH can work with the provider to gather information on the patient’s illness and pursue appropriate laboratory testing to verify the diagnosis.”
As of Tuesday, Jan. 27, the Indian Health Ministry said the Nipah virus has been contained after identifying two cases since December in the country’s West Bengal province, which had previous outbreaks in 2001 and 2007.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a deadly zoonotic illness spread by infected animals, according to the WHO. Previous outbreaks in Asia involved infected pigs and fruit bats, which are the virus’s natural hosts. The disease can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person. Human cases may range from mild infection to severe illness and death.
The virus has a fatality rate estimated at 40% to 75%, per the WHO.
Where are Nipah virus cases?
Two Nipah virus cases have been confirmed in India, according to USA TODAY. Two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, West Bengal, have the virus, with one in critical condition.
Officials in India implemented precautions to prevent further spread of the virus, including quarantine and surveillance measures.
Previous outbreaks were reported in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, according to the WHO, yet the type of fruit bats (also called flying foxes) that carry the Nipah virus can be found throughout Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia.
In 2018, an outbreak of the Nipah virus killed at least 17 people in Kerala, as reported by ABC.
Is there a vaccine for the Nipah virus?
There is currently no vaccine against Nipah virus licensed for use in the U.S, according to the CDPH.
What are symptoms of Nipah virus?
Here are common symptoms of Nipah virus:
Severe cases can include swelling of the brain and death, the CDC said.
How to avoid risk of contracting the Nipah Virus
The CDC has a list of precautions for people who travel to or live in an area where Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What’s the Nipah virus? Should Californians be concerned?
Reporting by Roseann Cattani and Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
