Kathmandu: Nepal has been placed on high alert after cases of the deadly Nipah virus were detected in India’s neighbouring state of West Bengal, prompting authorities to tighten health surveillance at border points and airports.
South Asian countries, still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, are wary of another potential health crisis. As a precaution, Nepal has intensified screening measures at major entry points, particularly along the eastern border, where thousands of people cross daily.
Indian media reports say two healthcare workers in West Bengal have tested positive for the Nipah virus and are currently receiving treatment in intensive care. Around 200 people who came into contact with the infected individuals have been identified and placed under monitoring.
Studies suggest the Nipah virus has a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent, significantly higher than that of Covid-19.
Health experts in Nepal warn that the country remains vulnerable due to its open border with India. The Ministry of Health and Population says health desks have been activated at border checkpoints, and travellers showing symptoms are being kept under observation.
What is the Nipah virus?
The Nipah virus was first identified in 1998 among pig farmers in a village called Nipah in Malaysia. The virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats to pigs or other animals, and then to humans. Previous outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh, India and the Indian state of Kerala.
According to Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, an infectious disease specialist at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, fruit bats are the main reservoir of the virus.
“Transmission can occur through fruits contaminated by bats, infected animals, or bodily fluids of infected individuals,” he said.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms usually appear within four to 14 days of infection. Early signs include:
- Fever
2. Headache
3. Nausea and vomiting
As the disease progresses, patients may develop:
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
Loss of consciousness
In some cases, patients can deteriorate rapidly without showing clear initial symptoms.
No vaccine, prevention is key
The World Health Organization says there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the Nipah virus. Care is largely supportive, with severe cases requiring intensive care treatment.
Health experts advise the public to:
Avoid contact with bats and sick animals
Wash fruits thoroughly or peel them before consumption
Boil raw date palm sap before drinking
Seek immediate medical attention if fever or neurological symptoms appear
Government preparedness
Health Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki says designated hospitals have been prepared to manage suspected cases. He added that border health checks have been strengthened and surveillance is ongoing.
The World Health Organization has also said it is continuously assessing the risk in South Asia. Experts stress that vigilance and awareness, rather than panic, remain the most effective tools to prevent the spread of the virus.
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