After the discovery of Nipah virus in India, around 110 people were quarantined. The isolation took place after two health professionals contracted the virus.
Nipah has worried the world, as the disease has a high fatality rate and is on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of pathogens with epidemic potential.
Nipah can cause acute respiratory infections and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). It is transmitted between humans and also from animals such as bats and pigs.
Current situation: Around 110 people have been quarantined in India following a new outbreak of the virus. The isolation occurred after two health professionals contracted the disease in early January 2026.
Dangerousness: Nipah is classified as a priority by the WHO due to its epidemic potential. The mortality rate is high, reaching 70%.
Symptoms: They start off similar to the flu (fever, body aches and headaches), but can quickly progress to acute respiratory infections and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), leading to mental confusion, coma and death.
Transmission: It is a zoonotic disease. It occurs from animals to humans (mainly fruit bats and pigs), through contaminated food or direct contact with infected people.
Risk for Brazil: There are no records of the disease in Brazil or Latin America, as the region is not home to the species of bat that acts as the main host.
Treatment: There is no vaccine or specific cure. Treatment is only supportive (hydration and symptom control).
