China reports no Nipah virus cases but strengthens monitoring. India confirms two cases, and other Asian countries ramp up border measures.
Chinese health authorities reported no Nipah virus infections. This follows a recent outbreak in India. However, they have started risk assessments and enhanced monitoring measures.
What is the Nipah Virus and Why is it Deadly?
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus. It first appeared in Malaysia in the 1990s. It spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human-to-human contact.
Common symptoms include high fever, vomiting, and convulsions. The virus has a fatality rate between 40% and 75%, according to the World Health Organisation. It can cause respiratory and neurological issues, such as fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, headache, and dizziness. There are no vaccines or treatments for the virus yet.
India’s Ministry of Health confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal. Initial reports suggested five cases. Authorities quarantined and tested 196 close contacts. All results came back negative.
China’s Response
Chinese authorities have detected no Nipah virus cases. While the risk of imported cases remains low, they continue to monitor the situation. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration said the risk is low because China does not share a border with the affected area in India. They are monitoring global trends and strengthening border region responses.
China has also developed nucleic acid testing kits for early detection. All provincial disease control centres are now ready to conduct tests.
On January 27, Chinese researchers announced progress in treating the virus. They found that a drug originally approved for COVID-19 showed strong antiviral activity against Nipah. It could be a promising oral treatment.
Thailand has started screening flights from West Bengal as of January 26. Passengers must undergo temperature checks and submit health declaration forms.
Myanmar has increased monitoring, especially since the country has a large fruit bat population. No cases have been reported there so far.
Written by Yi Shen, additional report by China Daily.
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