The Nipah virus, considered deadly, is spreading in India.
Thus, in West Bengal province, five cases of infection with the virus, for which there is no vaccine or treatment, have been recorded. The presence of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers among those infected further increases the seriousness of the situation.
Patients experienced high fever and respiratory failure, and one of the infected women fell into a coma. According to initial assumptions, she contracted the virus while treating a patient who died before laboratory tests could be conducted.
In this context, questions arise regarding how potential epidemiological risks are assessed in Azerbaijan against the backdrop of the current situation.
In a statement to Modern.az, Professor and infectious disease specialist Adil Geybulla clarified the issue, noting that the Nipah virus is generally a zoonotic virus and also an infection primarily present in animals:
“The virus was first discovered in animals, specifically identified in fruit-eating bats. It was later recorded in pigs and primarily transmitted to humans from bats. The mechanism of infection mainly occurs when people consume fruits contaminated with bat excrement without washing them.
In this regard, the failure to fully adhere to hygienic rules in densely populated countries like India further increases the risk of infection. When people consume fruits contaminated with bat excrement without properly washing and cleaning them, the virus can be transferred to humans. Generally, the transmission of viruses from animals to humans is linked to rapid population growth, the shrinking of natural habitats, and human encroachment into animal living areas. As a result of this process, viruses choose human cells as a new living environment.”
According to the infectious disease specialist, the danger of the Nipah virus is not limited solely to the fact of infection:
“The disease is accompanied by both respiratory and central nervous system symptoms. In the initial stage, symptoms such as sore throat, high fever, headache, and muscle aches appear. This is followed by respiratory symptoms, and in more severe cases, encephalitis – i.e., inflammation of the brain and cerebral edema – develops. The main cause of fatalities is precisely cerebral edema. According to statistics, approximately 45-70 percent of cases are fatal, meaning they result in death.”
A. Geybulla also brought to attention that the probability of the Nipah virus spreading over a wide area and causing a pandemic is not high:
“However, if infection occurs, the disease is extremely dangerous. Currently, no cases related to this virus have been recorded in Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, epidemiological control at borders and entry-exit points must be strengthened. This is because in a globalized world, people travel to various countries, including India, for tourism or work purposes and then return.
If such a case is detected, immediate localization measures must be taken, and individuals who have been in contact with the infected person must be identified and isolated. The main way to prevent the spread of the disease is early detection and effective isolation. At the same time, special attention must be paid to public awareness.”
He also added that influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus infections are still circulating in our country:
“Many people experience these diseases on their feet and continue to infect each other. Such an epidemiological background creates an additional risk for the spread of new viruses. For this very reason, serious importance must be given to preventive measures and public awareness,” A. Geybulla stated.
It should be noted that the Nipah virus occurs annually in various regions of South and Southeast Asia, resulting in significant fatalities. Since its discovery in 1998, approximately 1000 people have been infected with the aforementioned virus to date.
