Nipah virus

The Nipah virus, a highly fatal disease with a fatality rate of up to 75%, is causing concern across Asia due to a recent outbreak in West Bengal, India. The outbreak, with at least five confirmed cases, has triggered heightened health screening measures at airports in countries like Thailand and Nepal, particularly ahead of the Lunar New Year travel rush. While experts suggest the outbreak is likely to remain contained, the virus's severity and lack of approved treatment have prompted anxiety. Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a Chinese drug that could potentially help manage Nipah outbreaks. Hong Kong has issued travel advisories against visiting West Bengal. The situation is being closely monitored in China, where public concern is growing due to the upcoming Lunar New Year travel season.