The World Health Organisation stated on Friday (Jan 30) that there is a low risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading from India. The WHO did not recommend travel or trade restrictions after two infections were reported by the South Asian nation.

Countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam have enhanced airport screening measures this week to prevent any potential spread of the virus following the confirmed cases in India.

"The WHO believes that the risk of further spread of infection from these two cases is minimal," the agency informed Reuters in an email, mentioning that India has the capability to control such outbreaks.

"There is currently no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission," the WHO stated, noting its coordination with Indian health authorities.

While the WHO acknowledged the possibility of additional exposure to the virus, which is present in the bat population in parts of India and neighboring Bangladesh, it highlighted that small outbreaks are not uncommon and the risk to the general population remains low.

Nipah virus, carried by fruit bats and animals like pigs, can lead to fever and brain inflammation. With a fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75% and no established cure, ongoing vaccine development is still under testing.

The virus typically spreads to humans from infected bats or contaminated fruit, and person-to-person transmission is challenging as it usually requires prolonged contact with infected individuals.

The WHO pointed out that the source of infection is not yet fully understood. Nipah is classified as a priority pathogen due to the absence of licensed vaccines or treatments, high fatality rates, and concerns about potential mutations into more transmissible variants.

Nipah not new to India

Two healthcare workers infected in India's West Bengal state in late December are currently receiving treatment in a hospital, as per local authorities.

India frequently reports isolated cases of Nipah infections, especially in the southern state of Kerala, identified as one of the highest-risk regions globally for the virus. The region has been associated with numerous deaths since the virus first surfaced there in 2018.

This outbreak marks the seventh documented case in India and the third in West Bengal. Previous outbreaks in 2001 and 2007 in West Bengal occurred in districts bordering Bangladesh, where outbreaks are reported nearly every year, as stated by the WHO.