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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...

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Hidden Cancers in Women: Early Symptoms You’re Probably Ignoring

Many cancers in women remain undetected until they reach advanced stages, making early awareness and screening critical. While breast and cervical cancers receive...

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Union Budget 2026: Top Expectations From India’s Health Sector | EXPLAINED

As the Finance Minister prepares to present the Union Budget 2026 on February 1 (Sunday), the healthcare sector is watching closely—with hope, urgency,...

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Union Budget 2026: What Doctors and Hospitals Are Hoping to See This Year

As India prepares for the Union Budget 2026, the healthcare sector stands at a crucial crossroads. Over the past few years, doctors and...

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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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‘By the Time We Suspect Nipah, the Brain Is Often Already Affected’: Doctor Explains Why the Virus Is So Deadly | EXCLUSIVE

The Nipah virus is considered one of the deadliest zoonotic infections globally, not because it spreads rapidly like influenza or COVID-19, but because...

2 Mins read
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Over 20 Students Fall Ill After Midday Meal at Telangana School

More than 20 students were hospitalised after reportedly falling ill following the consumption of a midday meal at a government school in Telangana,...

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Everyday Eating Habits That Are Quietly Hurting Your Heart — And How to Fix Them

It’s easy to think of food as simply fuel — something to satisfy hunger until the next meal. But the reality is far...

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Cancer
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Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Vaccination, and Awareness Can Save Lives

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it continues to claim the lives of thousands of women every...

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

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

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

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

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