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Tengrinews.kz — The World Health Organization has warned of the possible further spread of the Nipah virus due to the limited level of scientific knowledge about the disease. However, infectious disease specialists say that if preventive measures are followed, the risk of infection remains minimal. Tengrinews explains what travelers should pay attention to and when it is crucial to seek medical help.
Advice from an infectious disease specialist for travelers
In mid-January, authorities in the Indian state of West Bengal reported several cases of infection among healthcare workers with the incurable Nipah virus (NiV). Those infected were placed in isolation at the Barasat hospital where they work.
The World Health Organization considers further spread of this rare but severe virus possible due to the lack of comprehensive research, according to RIA Novosti.
Although Indian authorities have not officially reported a surge in cases, Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, and infectious disease specialist Bakyt Kosherova advises tourists and people planning trips to regions where NiV has been detected to strictly follow safety precautions. There is currently no specific vaccine or proven treatment for Nipah virus. Prevention and early medical attention remain the main forms of protection.
Before traveling, experts recommend checking up-to-date sanitary and epidemiological information about the destination country or region and following official guidance.
“If you are traveling to visit or care for a relative who is undergoing treatment in such countries, it is important to plan protective measures in advance. Wash your hands frequently and limit contact with other people,” the expert added.
During trips to countries where the Nipah virus has been reported, Bakyt Kosherova advises observing the following precautions:
- Do not consume raw date palm sap — the virus can survive in it for several days. The drink must be boiled.
- Thoroughly wash fruits and, if possible, peel them. Do not eat fruit picked from the ground or showing signs of animal bites.
- Avoid contact with bats and pigs.
- Avoid contact with sick individuals, especially their blood or other bodily fluids.
What to do if your condition worsens
If a fever or worsening health occurs during the trip or after returning home, the infectious disease specialist strongly recommends seeking medical help immediately.
When visiting a clinic, it is important to inform medical staff about:
- the country or region visited and travel dates;
- possible contact with animals or sick people;
- consumption of raw date palm sap or fruit picked from the ground;
- visits to medical facilities while abroad.
“The onset of the disease often resembles a common infection: fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. In some cases, pneumonia, breathing difficulties, or nervous system damage may develop — including drowsiness, confusion, seizures, or coma,” Bakyt Kosherova explained.
The incubation period usually lasts 4 to 14 days but may extend up to 45 days.
About the Nipah virus
NiV is a rare but dangerous zoonotic infection. Its primary reservoirs are fruit bats and, in some cases, pigs.
According to the expert, infection occurs through contact with animals or their secretions, consumption of contaminated food, or close contact with infected individuals.
According to WHO data, the Nipah virus has a high fatality rate — depending on the strain, mortality ranges from 40 to 75 percent. Survivors may experience long-term neurological complications.
