Today Tuesday , 6 October 2026
Connect
Today Tuesday , 6 October 2026
Connect
Home Exclusive Section

Exclusive Section

14 Articles
COVID
Exclusive Section

How Nipah Virus Affects the Immune System and Why the Body Struggles to Fight It

The Nipah virus presents a unique and severe challenge to the human immune system, often overwhelming the body’s natural defences before they can...

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.”
Exclusive SectionExperts OpinionHealth News

Is India Prepared for the Next Nipah Outbreak? Experts Weigh In | EXCLUSIVE

India has faced sporadic outbreaks of the Nipah virus over the past two decades, most notably in Kerala in 2001, 2018, and 2019....

3 Mins read
Exclusive SectionExperts OpinionGovt. PoliciesHealth NewsLatest Policy

Exclusive | Union Budget 2026 Must Put Prevention First: Why India Needs a Radical Rethink of Healthcare Spending and Policy

Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman, Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital As the Union Budget 2026 is set to be presented shortly, expectations...

4 Mins read
Exclusive SectionLatest News

Understanding Your Ovarian Reserve: Why Age and AMH Matter in IVF Success

New Delhi, 03 October, 2024: When couples turn to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in their journey toward parenthood, one of the first things fertility...

4 Mins read
Exclusive SectionLatest News

Male Infertility Explained: When to See a Doctor and What Tests to Expect

New Delhi, 03 October, 2025: Infertility is often perceived as a women’s health issue, but research shows that men contribute to nearly half...

4 Mins read
Exclusive SectionLatest News

Is It Safe to Undergo IVF Twice? Fertility Experts Explain the Risks, Success Rates, and What You Should Know

New Delhi, 03 October, 2025: For many couples struggling with infertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offers a ray of hope. The procedure, which...

4 Mins read
Signs Of Heart Attack
Exclusive SectionLatest News

80% of Heart Disease Is Preventable: Doctor Shares 5 Daily Habits to Reduce Heart Attack Risk

New Delhi, 02 October, 2025: Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, yet experts stress that most cases can...

4 Mins read
Exclusive Section

EXCLUSIVE: Heart Attacks Are Striking the Young – Why Even Fit, Active People Are Not Safe Anymore

New Delhi, 01 October, 2025: Not too long ago, heart attacks were considered a disease of old age. But today, the rules have...

3 Mins read
load more

Don't Miss

Latest News

World Blood Cancer Day: Doctors Warn Early Symptoms of Leukemia and Lymphoma Are Often Ignored

Blood cancer cases are rising globally, but doctors say one of the biggest challenges remains delayed diagnosis due to ignored or misunderstood symptoms....

2 Mins read
Latest News

World No Tobacco Day 2026: Vaping, Gutka, and Cigarettes — How Tobacco Quietly Damages the Entire Body

Tobacco use continues to remain one of the world’s leading preventable causes of death, claiming millions of lives every year. While lung cancer...

2 Mins read
Latest News

Valvular heart disease patients face greater health risks from air pollution: Study

Did you know that air pollution can worsen outcomes in individuals with heart valve disease causing more than just an irritation to your...

2 Mins read
Latest News

World Digestive Health Day 2026: Are “healthy” diet snacks wrecking your gut?

A lot of people try to lose weight or stay fit and ‘DIET’ snacks are marketed as a healthier option. They are usually...

2 Mins read
Latest News

Schizophrenia is not split personality: Expert explains the dangerous mental health myth

There is more talk about mental health in India than before but there are still many myths. One of the most common misconceptions...

2 Mins read

Section title

© Copyright 2022 Healthwire Media. All rights reserved powered by Saotech Labs