Why is India’s Nipah virus outbreak spooking the world?

A small cluster of Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, India, has caused regional concern due to the virus's high fatality rate. While experts believe the outbreak is likely contained, several Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, and Indonesia, have increased health screening at airports and borders, particularly ahead of the Lunar New Year travel period. Indian authorities have confirmed only two Nipah cases in West Bengal since December, clarifying earlier reports of higher case numbers. Contact tracing revealed 196 individuals who tested negative and showed no symptoms. The heightened vigilance aims to prevent the potential spread of the virus beyond the localized area.

Indian officials declared the recent Nipah virus outbreak contained in West Bengal state, after confirming two cases. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that 196 contacts were traced, monitored, and tested, with all tests returning negative. This announcement aimed to address media speculation and provide accurate information. Several Asian countries have implemented screening measures for travelers arriving from India in response to the outbreak. The Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease with a high mortality rate, spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human contact, and currently has no vaccine. China is strengthening disease prevention measures in border areas.

Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China have identified a potential treatment for the deadly Nipah virus, which has a high fatality rate and no approved cure. The study, released Monday, found that the oral antiviral drug VV116, originally developed for COVID-19, significantly improved survival rates in infected hamsters. Specifically, a dose of VV116 increased survival to 66.7% in golden hamsters and reduced the viral load in key organs affected by Nipah. The researchers suggest VV116 could be used preventatively for high-risk groups and as a readily available treatment option during Nipah outbreaks, such as the recent outbreak in West Bengal, India. This finding offers a promising avenue for managing and preventing the spread of the Nipah virus.

This article summarizes seven recent science and technology stories reported by the SCMP. It highlights the return of China's Shenzhou-20 spacecraft to Earth, unmanned and damaged. A Nipah virus outbreak in India has raised concerns in China due to upcoming Lunar New Year travel. The Chinese military is reportedly developing over ten experimental quantum cyber warfare tools, some of which are being tested in front-line missions. Other topics covered in the full article include China's progress in dark matter research and a breakthrough in semiconductor fibre technology. The article was published on January 28, 2026, and aims to keep readers informed about recent scientific advancements and developments.