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Home Swapna Karmakar
Written by

Swapna Karmakar is an experienced Health Journalist and the Editorial Lead at Healthwire Media. She has a background in investigative reporting and a deep interest in community health and regulatory updates within the medical sector. Swapna focuses on bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients by crafting narratives that simplify medical terminology without losing clinical depth. Her research process involves analyzing peer-reviewed journals and official regulatory notifications from bodies like the National Medical Commission (NMC) to provide timely news to both healthcare professionals and the general public. Swapna’s work is characterized by a commitment to transparency and evidence-based reporting. Outside of health reporting, she is an avid traveler and explorer of cultural landscapes. 

345 Articles
Cancer
Oncology

Cancer Isn’t Just Genetics—It’s Your Lifestyle, Environment, and Stress Combined

For decades, cancer has largely been viewed as a disease written into a person’s genes. While genetic predisposition does play a role in...

3 Mins read
COVID
Latest News

WHO Confirms One Nipah Virus Death in Bangladesh, Weeks After Two Cases in West Bengal

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed one death due to Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh, raising regional health concerns weeks after two...

2 Mins read
The Nipah virus is considered one of the deadliest zoonotic infections globally, not because it spreads rapidly like influenza or COVID-19, but because of its extremely high fatality rate, rapid progression, and severe brain involvement. Medical experts warn that once symptoms escalate, the disease can turn fatal within days. According to available data, the case fatality rate of Nipah virus ranges between 50 and 75 per cent, placing it among the most lethal viral infections known to humans. In this explainer, Dr Dip Narayan Mukherjee, Consultant – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, sheds light on why the virus is so dangerous and difficult to control. Why Is the Nipah Virus So Deadly? According to Dr Mukherjee, Nipah’s lethality lies in a combination of delayed symptom recognition, aggressive disease progression, and early involvement of the brain. “Nipah virus often begins with very non-specific symptoms, which makes early detection difficult. By the time it is clinically suspected, the virus may have already affected the brain,” he explains. Early Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed One of the biggest challenges in controlling Nipah virus is that its initial symptoms closely resemble common viral illnesses, leading to delays in diagnosis and isolation. Early symptoms include: Fever Headache Cough Muscle pain General weakness “These symptoms are easily mistaken for flu, viral fever, or respiratory infections,” says Dr Mukherjee. “This delay gives the virus time to progress silently.” Severe Brain Infection Drives High Mortality The most dangerous aspect of Nipah virus infection is its neurological involvement. The virus frequently causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which significantly increases the risk of death. Neurological symptoms may include: Seizures Confusion and altered consciousness Extreme drowsiness Coma “Once the central nervous system is involved, the disease becomes very difficult to manage,” Dr Mukherjee notes. “At this stage, treatment is largely supportive because there is no specific antiviral therapy available.” This lack of targeted treatment options makes early detection critical. Human-to-Human Transmission Raises Risk While Nipah virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats, it can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings. Dr Mukherjee points out that: Caregivers and healthcare workers are at higher risk Exposure to high viral loads can worsen outcomes Inadequate infection control increases transmission risk “Strict adherence to infection control practices is essential. Even a small lapse can result in secondary infections,” he says. Zoonotic Nature Makes Exposure Hard to Predict Nipah virus is transmitted from fruit bats, either directly or through intermediate hosts such as pigs. This zoonotic pattern makes outbreaks unpredictable, especially in regions where humans, animals, and wildlife interact closely. Adding to the challenge: There is no approved vaccine Treatment options remain limited Isolation protocols must be strictly enforced What Can Reduce Nipah Fatalities? According to experts, early action remains the most effective defence against Nipah virus. Key measures include: Early isolation of suspected cases Strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Rapid escalation and referral to specialised centres Strong hospital infection control protocols “The earlier the virus is identified and contained, the better the chances of preventing severe disease and fatalities,” Dr Mukherjee emphasises. The Bottom Line Nipah virus continues to be a serious public health threat because of its high fatality rate, neurological complications, and lack of targeted treatment. Its ability to masquerade as a mild illness in the early stages makes vigilance crucial. Health experts stress that awareness, early suspicion, and strict infection control are currently the most powerful tools to reduce deaths linked to this deadly virus. As Dr Mukherjee concludes, “With Nipah, time is the most critical factor. Early recognition can save lives.”
Latest News

Viral Outbreaks 2026: What Are Scientists Watching Out For?

As the world moves deeper into 2026, global health agencies and scientists remain on high alert for emerging and re-emerging viral threats. While...

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WHO
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Nipah Outbreak In India 2026 Updates: WHO Says Virus Risk Is Low After Two Confirmed Cases – All About The NiV

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the public that the risk of a Nipah virus outbreak in India remains low, following the...

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7 Simple Eye Exercises To Ease Screen-Induced Strain.
Lifestyle

Digital Eye Strain And Mental Fatigue: How Screen Overload Is Affecting Young Professionals

It this hyper-connected world, screens have become indispensable tools for work, communication, and entertainment. From laptops and tablets to smartphones and smart TVs,...

4 Mins read
Diabetes Day
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Diabetes During Pregnancy May Raise Infection Risk in Babies, New Study Warns

Pregnancy is a critical period not just for a mother’s health but also for the lifelong well-being of her child. New research is...

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Norovirus Spreading Rapidly In The US: 8 Quick Facts About The Disease
International News

Norovirus Outbreak 2026 – Explained: What It Is, How It Spreads, and Why It’s So Contagious

Often called the “winter vomiting bug”, norovirus is one of the most contagious stomach viruses in the world and a leading cause of...

2 Mins read
COVID-19 Vaccine
Latest News

Covid Vaccine Not Linked To Low Fertility, Miscarriages And Childbirth Rates, New Study Proves

COVID Vaccines and Reproductive Health: For years after the pandemic, concerns and rumours linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility, miscarriages and declining birth rates...

2 Mins read
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