UK health chief issues new warning about deadly Nipah Virus as concerning fatality rate revealed

UK health experts have issued a new warning following an outbreak of the Nipah Virus that is seeing countries introduce new safety measures.

An outbreak of the Nipah virus that started in India is causing concern around the world and forcing nations to take steps to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

India has confirmed that they have had at least two cases of the Nipah virus in West Bengal since December.

The two individuals in question were nurses on duty together at the hospital between December 28 and 30. The two nurses quickly became unwell and were admitted to intensive care at the start of January.

While the Nipah virus is not new, and has been recognized since 1999. There is no cure and limited treatment for the disease. This made contain the spread of it a top priority for nearby nations, including Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan.

All three nations have introduced Covid-19 style measures at airports to prevent another pandemic.

If contracted, a person may develop flu-like symptoms (Guido Mieth / Getty Images)

Most concerningly the virus has a high fatality rate of 40-75 percent.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued new guidance, also in hopes of preventing another COVID-19 situation.

The agency has said: “While the risk to most people remains very low, understanding the virus is important if you are planning to travel to areas where it circulates.

“If you develop symptoms while overseas in an endemic area, seek advice from a health professional immediately.

“If you develop symptoms after returning to the UK, contact your healthcare provider and make sure to mention your recent travel history.”

Due to the limited ability to treat the disease, in 2018, the annual review of the World Health Organization R&D Blueprint list insisted that the virus should be treated as a priority disease.

The Nipah virus (picture from 2023) has a mortality rate of 40 to 75 per cent (AFP via Getty Image)

This means that there is an urgent need for accelerated research and development for the Nipah virus.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease spreads:

• If a person or animal has contact with the bodily fluids, blood, urine, saliva or faeces of an infected animal.
• If a person eats foods contaminated by an infected animal.
• If people are in close contact with someone who has Nipah virus, typically while caring for them.

While the disease primarily spreads through bats, it can also spread through pigs and other animals such as goats, horses, dogs, or cats, according to the World Health Organization.