11 February, 2026

Why the Fight Against Pediatric Heart Disease Starts Before Birth

Neuroscientist Sounds Alarm on Magnesium Loss in Women Over 50

H5N1 Virus Scare in Chennai: Doctor Explains the Risks, Symptoms,...

Cancer Isn’t Just Genetics—It’s Your Lifestyle, Environment, and Stress Combined

Home Dr. Prathibha Babshet

Dr. Prathibha Babshet

How To Manage Stretch Marks During And Post-Pregnancy

November 27, 2020 13:46 No Comments

Immunotherapy vs Chemotherapy: Which Cancer Treatment Works Better?

February 10, 2026 20:00 No Comments

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

February 10, 2026 18:31 No Comments

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.”

Why Nipah Virus Has a High Fatality Rate: Factors Affecting Disease Severity

February 10, 2026 17:26 No Comments

Don't Miss

Health News

Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Air: Schools Shut, Offices Go Work From Home — How to Stay Safe

New Delhi, 23 December, 2025: Delhi once again finds itself gasping for breath as air pollution levels surge to hazardous levels, pushing authorities...

Karmakar2 Mins read

Latest News

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Screening Tips Every Woman Should Know

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally....

Karmakar3 Mins read

Latest News

Bird Flu Alert: How to Protect Yourself Without Panicking

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection primarily affecting birds but capable of infecting humans in rare cases. The...

Karmakar3 Mins read

Latest News

Why Walking 30 Minutes a Day Can Add Years to Your Life

Walking for just 30 minutes a day is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve overall health, enhance longevity, and...

Karmakar1 Mins read

Latest News

5 Common Foods That Are Slowly Damaging Your Liver

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body, responsible for detoxification, metabolizing nutrients, and regulating essential biochemical processes, and...

Karmakar1 Mins read

Dr. Prathibha Babshet

How To Manage Stretch Marks During And Post-Pregnancy

Recent Post

Immunotherapy vs Chemotherapy: Which Cancer Treatment Works Better?

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

Why Nipah Virus Has a High Fatality Rate: Factors Affecting Disease Severity

Don't Miss

Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Air: Schools Shut, Offices Go Work From Home — How to Stay Safe

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Screening Tips Every Woman Should Know

Bird Flu Alert: How to Protect Yourself Without Panicking

Why Walking 30 Minutes a Day Can Add Years to Your Life

5 Common Foods That Are Slowly Damaging Your Liver

Section title