Today Tuesday , 12 May 2026
Connect
Today Tuesday , 12 May 2026
Connect
Home Experts Opinion

Experts Opinion

5 Articles
heart disease
Experts Opinion

Why the Fight Against Pediatric Heart Disease Starts Before Birth

Every heartbeat tells a story, but for thousands of infants in India, that story being interrupted before it truly begins. Despite the leap...

3 Mins read
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Experts Opinion

A parenting guide for Congenital Hypothyroidism

Do you know, congenital hypothyroidism, a rare disability affects about 1 in 2,500–3,000 newborns globally, but in India the incidence is higher—approximately 1...

3 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
Experts OpinionLatest News

Is It Safe To Take Blood Pressure Medicines On An Empty Stomach? What Doctors Recommend

New Delhi, 01 October, 2025: Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) often requires consistent medication use. Millions of people worldwide rely on daily tablets...

3 Mins read

Don't Miss

Signs Of Heart Attack
Cardiology

Heart Attack Symptoms Explained: Does the Pain Always Occur on the Left Side? Expert Reveals Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

In 2026, heart attacks are not limited to the elderly—young people are increasingly facing this serious condition. Before a heart attack occurs, the...

2 Mins read
There are many microorganisms that directly harm the stomach.
Diet & NutritionLifestyle & Wellness

Viral gastroenteritis cases amid rising summer heatwave: Tips to protect yourself

As the temperature continues to rise, viral gastroenteritis also known as stomach flu spikes in Mysuru with reports indicating a sharp rise in...

2 Mins read
Nephrology

Heatwave alert: How dehydration silently damages your kidneys and hidden risks you must not ignore

With the moderate increase in temperatures in India, the majority of the population is concentrating on being hydrated. Although dehydration is a key...

2 Mins read
Lifestyle & Wellness

Pre-pregnancy obesity may raise child’s fatty liver risk by 3 times, warns expert

Planning a pregnancy often focuses on eating well, taking supplements, and going for regular check-ups. However, recent studies indicate that preconceptual health is...

2 Mins read
Sir ganga ram hospital (SGRH)
Press Release

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Celebrates 71st Founder’s Day; Delhi LG Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu Graces the Occasion

New Delhi: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital celebrated its 71st Founder’s Day with great reverence and enthusiasm, commemorating the enduring legacy of its visionary...

2 Mins read

Section title

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