The virus inspired the 2011 film about a deadly global pandemic.
India has faced sporadic outbreaks in recent years (Image: Getty)
Health authorities in India are rushing to contain an outbreak of Nipah virus after five cases were reported. The infection is transmitted to people from animals, with previous outbreaks linked to the consumption of fruit products contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats. Nipah virus was the inspiration for 2011 film Contagion, about a fictional MEV-1 virus that triggers a deadly global pandemic.
Almost 100 people have reportedly been quarantined in the Indian state of West Bengal. According to media reports in the county, all five confirmed cases are among healthcare workers. They include two nurses working at the private Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, who developed high fevers and respiratory distress and were admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit.
A senior official in the West Bengal health department said: “The condition of the male nurse is improving but the woman patient remains very critical.”
The virus has a fatality rate of between 40% and 75%, which can vary between outbreaks depending on local capabilities for identifying and treating cases, according to the World Health Organisation.
The illness caused by the virus can range from symptomless to severe. Common symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and a sore throat.
This can be followed by dizziness and drowsiness. In some cases this can progress to pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, seizures and coma.
Health authorities have been instructed to step up surveillance for Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a critical condition caused by inflammation of the brain that is common with Nipah virus infection.
An advisory issued by authorities in the southern state of Tamil Nadu said: “Persons admitted with AES, particularly those with travel or contact history linked to West Bengal, should be closely monitored and evaluated for possible Nipah virus infection.”
There are currently no specific drugs of treatments for Nipah virus. Patients are offered supportive care while they fight the infection.
Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers.
Bangladesh and India have seen sporadic outbreaks in recent years. An outbreak in Kerala in 2018 killed 21 out of 23 people infected.
