Doctor explains risk of deadly virus with no cure and 'epidemic potential' reaching UK
Update 28/01/26: Following publication of this article, the Indian government has clarified that there are only two confirmed cases of Nipah virus. It was previously stated there were five cases, but this was clarified following test results.
A doctor has shared her thoughts on the likelihood of Nipah virus reaching the UK in the wake of an outbreak of the incurable illness in India.
After five cases were reported in the state of West Bengal, some Asian nations have now implemented health checks at airports in the hopes of containing the spread.
Some travel hubs in Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan have started screening passengers who arrive from West Bengal, according to the BBC, using procedures that are similar to those seen during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The news of the Nipah virus outbreak has sparked concern across the globe, given that the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies it as a high-risk priority pathogen.
This means it has the potential to cause an 'epidemic'. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine to protect people from the deadly virus.
The zoonotic illness can spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food, or human-to-human contact.
According to the WHO, the mortality rate is estimated at 40 percent to 75 percent.
Unfortunately, though, it can be quite tricky to tell if someone is infected, as the symptoms of Nipah virus 'resemble a non-specific flu-like illness'.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan, Dr Suzanne Wylie said that patients often realise something is off with their health 'four to 14 days after exposure' - and it can go downhill very quickly from there.
There have been no known cases of Nipah virus reported in the UK to date; however, the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now intently monitoring the situation in India.
Amid concerns that we could soon experience another pandemic reminiscent of Covid, Dr Wylie has revealed that the chances of the outbreak causing global chaos are very slim.
"Nipah virus infections are very uncommon globally and have occurred only sporadically in specific regions over the past two decades," the GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor explained.
"Even in areas where outbreaks have happened previously, the number of cases has tended to be small and contained quickly with appropriate public health measures."
The medical expert added that 'aggressive public health control can limit spread rapidly'.
She noted that most people become infected 'in healthcare or household settings', which has been the case in West Bengal, as the five patients all reportedly share links to the same private hospital.
Thankfully, Dr Wylie then reassured Brits that the risk of Nipah virus reaching the UK is very slim.
"Nipah outbreaks have historically been geographically restricted to parts of Asia, and there is no evidence of sustained transmission outside these areas," she said.
"Public health authorities have processes in place to assess and manage infections brought into the country via travel, and clinicians are trained to consider rare infections like NiV in the right clinical and exposure context."
There haven't been any travel or trade restrictions brought in as of yet, but the GP did advise people to be wary of booking a flight there.
Dr Wylie added: "There is no need for public alarm in the UK, and ongoing surveillance and infection control measures aim to keep risk very low.
"Prompt medical attention should always be sought for severe symptoms after travel to affected regions."
Topics: Health, World News, UK News
Olivia Burke