How Serious Is the Nipah Virus After New Cases in India?

Newly reported cases of the Nipah virus in India have renewed global attention on one of the world’s deadliest — yet least common — viral diseases.

Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it primarily spreads from animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as its natural host. While rare, the infection is particularly concerning because of its high fatality rate, which can range from 40% to 75% depending on healthcare access and early detection.

Most outbreaks have occurred in South and Southeast Asia, especially in Bangladesh and parts of India, where infections are often linked to contaminated fruit or raw date palm sap exposed to bat saliva or urine.

Human-to-human transmission has been documented, usually among family members or caregivers in close contact with infected patients, but experts stress that the virus does not spread easily between people.

Early symptoms of Nipah — including fever, headache, and muscle pain — can resemble many common illnesses, making early diagnosis challenging. In severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly to encephalitis, respiratory distress, seizures, and coma.

While many survivors recover fully, some experience long-term neurological effects.

Despite its severity, scientists and public health officials emphasize that Nipah has not shown signs of sustained global transmission.

Outbreaks tend to be localized and relatively contained, and there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments, though several candidates are in development. Health authorities say continued surveillance, early detection, and public awareness remain key to preventing wider spread.