India confirms two cases of deadly Nipah virus

Indian health authorities say they have confirmed two cases of the deadly Nipah virus since December last year. But they have been quick to refute speculation about a wider outbreak.

Indian government officials say both cases were in West Bengal. They have not given further details.

They say authorities have identified 196 people linked to the two cases. All tested negative for the virus.

The officials say central and state government coordination ensured a timely containment of the disease. But they say the situation is being monitored, and all necessary public health measures are in place.

Even so, airports in countries like Thailand and Indonesia are on alert. They have installed thermal scanners to screen arrivals. A Turkish tourist at the international airport in Bali said "we're all afraid of all the viruses, especially after Corona." He added that it is right to be cautious.

The World Health Organization says the Nipah virus was first recognized in Malaysia in 1999. It can be transmitted to humans by animals such as bats and pigs, and also spreads directly from human to human. There are no vaccines. The disease causes fever and brain inflammation and has a fatality rate of between 40 and 75 percent.

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