West Bengal

West Bengal is an eastern state in India currently grappling with an outbreak of the Nipah virus. This outbreak is newsworthy due to the virus's high fatality rate (up to 75%) and the lack of approved treatments or vaccines. Recent reports confirm at least five infections in the state. The outbreak has triggered regional anxiety, leading to tightened health screenings at airports across Asia, particularly in Thailand and Nepal, ahead of the Lunar New Year travel rush. China, in particular, is paying close attention due to the upcoming holiday and potential for increased travel. Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a Chinese drug that could potentially help manage Nipah outbreaks. Additionally, some individuals from West Bengal are facing deportation issues, mistakenly identified as Bangladeshi citizens, highlighting ongoing challenges related to citizenship and border control.