What to Know About the Deadly Nipah Virus as India Races to Contain an Outbreak

Health officials in India are urgently responding to a Nipah virus outbreak following the death of a 14-year-old boy in Kerala. This incident marks the fifth outbreak in the state since 2018, which is considered one of the most at-risk areas globally for Nipah. The virus, first identified in 1999, is zoonotic and can spread from animals, particularly fruit bats, to humans through direct contact or contaminated food. Symptoms typically appear within a few days to two weeks and can escalate to severe neurological issues, with a mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%. Currently, over 350 individuals who may have been in contact with the deceased are being monitored, including 101 high-risk contacts, with six showing symptoms. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for Nipah, and care is limited to supportive measures. However, research is ongoing, with plans for human trials of a monoclonal antibody and a potential vaccine developed by Oxford University. The outbreak highlights the challenges of managing a virus that can infect multiple species and the importance of monitoring and containment efforts in preventing further spread.