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Nipah Virus Outbreak: No Vaccine, High Mortality Rate Warns AIIMS Expert

The president of AIIMS Bilaspur has issued a stark warning about the Nipah virus, describing it as a highly infectious and fatal zoonotic disease. He confirmed there is currently no vaccine available, with treatment relying on a globally limited supply of monoclonal antibodies. Outbreaks have been reported in Kerala and West Bengal, with the current one first detected among healthcare workers. He urged caution in endemic regions to minimize contact with fruit bats, which are carriers of the virus.

Key Points: Nipah Virus: No Vaccine, High Fatality, Says AIIMS President

  • No vaccine available
  • 40-75% mortality rate
  • Outbreaks in Kerala and West Bengal
  • Treatment relies on scarce monoclonal antibodies
  • First detected among health workers
2 min read

"Highly infectious, fatal": AIIMS Bilaspur president says no vaccine available for Nipah virus

AIIMS Bilaspur president warns Nipah virus is highly infectious and fatal, with no vaccine available. Outbreaks reported in Kerala and West Bengal.

"Nipah virus is highly infectious and fatal. The mortality rate ranges between 40 and 75 per cent, which is very high. - Professor Dr Narendra Kumar Arora"

Faridabad, January 26

AIIMS Bilaspur president Professor Dr Narendra Kumar Arora on Monday highlighted the serious public health risks posed by the Nipah virus, describing it as a highly infectious and fatal zoonotic disease.

He stressed the absence of a vaccine and the need for strict preventive measures.

Speaking on the current situation, Dr Arora told ANI, "Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease. These sporadic outbreaks have occurred in both Kerala and West Bengal. Even Bangladesh is endemic for the Nipah virus."

He added that the present outbreak in West Bengal was initially detected among health workers.

"The current outbreak was first reported among five health workers in West Bengal after a person died of an unknown disease, and later on, these five health professionals were involved. An ongoing investigation is now underway into another 100 to 200 people who have been exposed," he said.

Dr Arora warned that Nipah virus infections often lead to severe outcomes.

"Nipah virus is highly infectious and fatal. Patients either develop symptoms of encephalitis or severe respiratory disease. The mortality rate ranges between 40 and 75 per cent, which is very high," he added.

Highlighting treatment challenges, the AIIMS Bilaspur president said there is currently no vaccine available for the virus.

"There is currently no vaccine available for this virus, and Monoclonal antibodies are to be given as soon as someone is diagnosed with Nipah virus infection. There is a very limited supply of these monoclonal antibodies globally," he said.

Dr Arora added that India has taken important steps to address this shortage.

"India has taken this up as a very important initiative to ensure they are available within the country. I hope that, very soon, we will have a sufficient quantity of monoclonal antibodies in India," he added.

Urging caution in endemic regions, Dr Arora added, "But one has to be careful that in areas where these fruit bats are present, human and animal contact is kept to a minimum or avoided to prevent the disease. Both Kerala and West Bengal are endemic for this virus."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The fact that it first hit health workers is so worrying. Our doctors and nurses are on the front lines with inadequate protection. Salute to them. We need to ensure our healthcare infrastructure in these states is robust enough to handle such outbreaks.
A
Aman W
Public awareness is key. People in Kerala and West Bengal need to be educated about avoiding contact with fruit bats and not consuming raw date palm sap. Local administrations should run campaigns in regional languages.
S
Sarah B
While the initiative to produce monoclonal antibodies domestically is commendable, I hope the process is transparent and fast-tracked. We saw during COVID how delays can cost lives. The "very soon" needs to be quantified.
V
Vikram M
Zoonotic diseases are a clear sign of our disturbed ecology. Deforestation and encroachment into animal habitats are bringing these viruses to our doorstep. We need a long-term plan for environmental conservation, not just outbreak response.
K
Karthik V
Good that AIIMS is being vocal about this. Clear communication from experts helps avoid panic and misinformation. Hope the investigation into the 100-200 exposed people is thorough and they get the care they need. Jai Hind.

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