UK health chiefs have warned that Nipah virus could kill up to 75 per cent of people infected, as a recent outbreak in India sparks fresh pandemic fears.
The virus is a rare but serious infectious disease carried by bats that can infect both pigs and human – in some cases causing irreversible brain damage.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued new guidance amid pandemic fears stating: ‘While the risk to most people remains very low, understanding the virus is important if you are planning to travel to areas where it circulate.’
Officials are watching the virus closely, as while there has not yet been any cases identified in the UK, there is no vaccine or treatment for infection.
It is currently estimated that between 40 and 75 per cent of people infected with the virus will die with others being left with lasting neurological difficulties including persistent seizures and personality changes.
In rare cases, the virus can lay dormant and reactive months or years after the initial infection, health officials added.
Because of this, Nipah virus was labelled a ‘high priority pathogen’ in March last year ‘that urgently needs investment in developing tests, treatments and vaccines.’
Most infections result from consuming fruits or fruit juices – specifically fermented date palm juice – contaminated with the feces, urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.
The infection is caused by the Nipah virus, a rare but highly dangerous pathogen that can trigger severe breathing problems, seizures and fatal swelling of the brain. Pictured, the aftermath of a 2023 outbreak in India
The infection can then be spread from person-to-person through close contact and bodily fluids, which triggered the current outbreak in West Bengal.
For those travelling to endemic areas including Bangladesh and India, prevention primarily focuses on avoiding contact with bats and taking extra precautions when preparing food.
Health chiefs advise all travelers against consuming raw or partially fermented date palm sap – which poses one of the biggest risks – and avoiding close contact with anyone infected.
All fruit should be washed throughout with clean water and peeled before eating. Fruit found on the ground should be avoided due to contamination risk.
It added: ‘If you develop symptoms while overseas in an endemic area, seek advice from a health professional immediately.
‘If you develop symptoms after returning to the UK, contact your healthcare provider and make sure to mention your recent travel history.’
Nipah usually begins with the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and a sore throat.
In some people this can trigger encephalitis – inflammation of the brain – or meningitis, which typically develops three to 21 days after the initial illness begins and can be fatal without intensive supportive care.
Some parts of Asia have tightened screening measures at airports to control the spread. Around 110 people who came into contact with the infected patients have been quarantined as a precaution
This, health chiefs warn, ‘is the hallmark of Nipah infection and is associated with a very high mortality rate.’
The incubation period is usually four to 14 days, but it can sometimes be much longer. In rare instances, an incubation period of up to 45 days has been reported.
There have also been reports of relapse in a small number of cases.
Human outbreaks of the virus have only been identified in South and South-East Asia.
The latest outbreak in India’s West Bengal region has prompted some countries to roll out Covid-era airport screenings to stop it spreading .
The outbreak is linked to a private hospital in West Bengal, where at least five healthcare workers were infected earlier this month.
Around 110 people who came into contact with infected patients have now been quarantined as a precaution, officials said.
So far no cases have been reported outside of India, with a spokesperson from the World Health Organisation (WHO) telling the Daily Mail that they do not expect that the disease is likely to spread beyond India’s borders.
They said: ‘As per the available information, WHO considers risk of further spread of infection from these two cases is low.
‘India has the capacity to contain such outbreaks, as demonstrated during the past outbreaks.
‘Recommended public health responses are jointly being rolled out by the national and state health teams. There is no evidence yet of increased human-human transmission.
However, the source of infection is not yet fully understood. It is possible that further exposure to Nipah virus could occur, given known reservoir of Nipah virus in bat population in some part of India and Bangladesh, including West Bengal.
‘Community’s awareness of risk factors such as consumption of date palm sap needs to be strengthened.’
However, in response to the new cases, Thailand’s ministry of public health has implemented health screening for passengers at major airports arriving from West Bengal.
Travellers are being assessed for fever and other Nipah virus symptoms including headache, sore throat, vomiting and muscle pain, and are being issued health ‘beware’ cards advising what to do if they become ill.
Phuket International Airport is also reportedly undergoing increased cleaning due to its direct flight linked and Nepal has raised alert levels.
