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Cancer
Health NewsLatest NewsOncology

World Cancer Day 2026: The Cancers Women Often Miss—and the Early Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

When conversations around women’s cancers arise, breast and cervical cancer understandably dominate the narrative. Years of awareness campaigns, screening programs, and public discourse...

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....

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Bird Flu
Health News

Bird Flu Cure? Nasal Spray Vaccine Prevents Infection From H5N1: All You Need To Know

A recent breakthrough in influenza research has highlighted a nasal spray vaccine that may prevent infection from the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, commonly...

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Diet & NutritionHealth News

Bamboo Shoots: The Ancient Superfood Making a Modern Comeback — High Fibre, Low Fat, and Linked to Better Gut and Heart Health

When the word “superfood” comes up, ingredients like quinoa, chia seeds, blueberries, or avocados usually dominate the conversation. But hidden in plain sight...

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Cancer
Health NewsOncology

World Cancer Day 2026 | India’s Cancer Time Bomb: New Cases Expected to Cross 15 Million by 2030 — Why the System Isn’t Ready

World Cancer Day 2026 EXCLUSIVE: India is standing on the edge of a growing public health emergency—one that is expanding silently, rapidly, and...

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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...

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WHO
Health NewsInternational NewsLatest NewsWHO

Donald Trump Officially Cuts Ties With WHO, Raising Fears Over Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global health community, US President Donald Trump has officially severed ties between the United...

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Diabetes Day
Health NewsHealth TipsLifestyleWellness

Diabetes Beyond Sugar: How Oral Health, Sleep Patterns, and Gut Imbalance Can Trigger Blood Sugar Spikes

Diabetes is often thought of as a condition caused solely by sugar intake or lifestyle choices like overeating and lack of exercise. While...

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Gastroenterology

World Liver Day 2026: 10 simple habits to reverse fatty liver

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