The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the risk of spreading the Nipah virus from India is low, after two cases of infection were reported in West Bengal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the risk of spreading the Nipah virus is low, after two cases of infection were reported in West Bengal. Additionally, WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions, emphasizing that India has the capacity to control the outbreak.

The virus, transmitted by bats and pigs, can cause fever and encephalitis, with a mortality rate between 40% and 75%, with no available treatments. Although there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission, WHO has included Nipah in the category of priority pathogens due to the associated risks. The two infected health workers are in the hospital, and India has reported sporadic infections with Nipah, especially in Kerala. Expert Paul Hunter stated that the global risk of spread is low, but it is important for countries to remain vigilant.