Health officials in countries across Asia and the United States are monitoring measures after India confirmed two human cases of Nipah virus. Both the nurses, in West Bengal, are under observation, and their conditions have improved, health officials confirmed this week. They tested negative for infection.
Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights (via REUTERS)The male nurse has been released from the hospital. “The lady nurse also tested negative, but she is still under treatment at the hospital. She has been taken off ventilator support and is under observation. Her condition has improved significantly, but she is still not out of danger,” an official told PTI. About 200 people who came in contact with the confirmed cases are being monitored.
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After the infection was confirmed, several countries in Southeast Asia, including Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines, announced measures such as thermal scanners, travel history checks and health declarations.
Experts warn against US risksAlthough Nipah has never been identified in the United States, infectious disease experts say the situation warrants attention. Texas-based expert Dr Kritika Kuppalli, who previously worked with the World Health Organization, told the Daily Mail the possibility of a Nipah outbreak was ‘absolutely’ something the CDC should be ‘closely monitoring’.
He added: “Nipah virus is a high-impact pathogen, and even small, apparently contained outbreaks warrant careful surveillance, information sharing and preparedness. Outbreaks like this also underscore the importance of strong relationships with global partners, particularly WHO. [which] play a central role in coordinating outbreak response and sharing timely, on-the-ground information.”
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A CDC spokesperson told the Daily Mail that it was in ‘close contact’ with authorities in India. “CDC is monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist as needed.”
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?According to the WHO, human infections range from asymptomatic infections to acute respiratory infections (mild, severe) and severe encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Infected individuals initially develop symptoms including fever, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat.