KOLKATA (Dunya News) - A highly deadly virus outbreak, believed to be more lethal than COVID-19, has triggered emergency measures in India, raising serious concerns for public health and the upcoming T20 World Cup schedule.
The outbreak of the Nipah virus has shaken India’s healthcare system, particularly in the state of West Bengal.
The latest wave reportedly originated from a private hospital in Barasat, where five confirmed cases have surfaced so far.
Alarmingly, three of the infected individuals are healthcare workers who were directly involved in treating patients, highlighting the virus’s high transmission risk in clinical settings.
All affected patients have been shifted to a specialized infectious diseases hospital in Kolkata, while nearly 100 individuals who came into contact with them have been placed under strict medical observation and quarantine to prevent further spread.
First identified in 1998, Nipah is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals—primarily fruit bats—to humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus has a fatality rate ranging between 40 and 75 percent, making it significantly more dangerous than coronavirus. Symptoms often escalate rapidly, leading to severe respiratory illness, encephalitis, and, in many cases, death.
Health experts have expressed grave concern as no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus currently exists. Authorities fear that any further spread could overwhelm hospitals and force restrictions on public gatherings.
One dead from Nipah virus in India's Kerala; second death this year
Meanwhile, the outbreak has cast uncertainty over the T20 World Cup, as officials warn that if the virus continues to spread, the tournament schedule may face disruptions or postponements to ensure player and public safety.