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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. 

442 Articles
Cancer
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Tishtha: How Zydus’ Affordable Cancer Drug Could Transform Treatment Access in India

India’s cancer care landscape has taken a significant step forward with the launch of Tishtha, a new affordable immunotherapy drug designed to drastically...

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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.”
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Nipah Virus in India: What You Should Know and How to Stay Safe

Nipah virus (NiV) is a rare but highly dangerous zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans and, in some cases,...

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Chikungunya
Health NewsHealth Tips

Tamil Nadu Issues Statewide Alert as Chikungunya Cases Surge — What You Need to Know About The Infection

Tamil Nadu has declared a statewide health alert following a sharp increase in chikungunya infections across multiple districts. The government has intensified surveillance,...

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healthy gut
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Gut-Brain Axis: How the Digestive System Affects Mental Health

Dr. Sameer Malhotra, Principal Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket For centuries, the human gut was seen merely...

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High Blood Pressure
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Winter and Blood Pressure: Why Home Monitoring Becomes Critical in Cold Weather and How Often You Should Check BP

As temperatures drop, blood pressure tends to rise—a seasonal shift that many people with hypertension are unaware of. Winter is not just a...

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ADHD Doesn’t End With Childhood: How Early Attention Disorders Can Trigger Serious Health Risks in Midlife

For decades, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been viewed largely as a childhood behavioural condition—something children “grow out of” as they mature....

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Lung Cancer
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The Changing Face of Lung Cancer: Why Non-Smokers Can No Longer Let Their Guard Down

For decades, lung cancer has been almost universally associated with smoking. The image of a long-term smoker developing the disease has shaped public...

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More Than a Muscle Strain: Why Common Spine Disorders Are Going Undiagnosed Until the Pain Turns Debilitating

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in India, cutting across age, gender, and profession. For many, it starts as...

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