Illustration of a Nipah virus. Inset: Fruit Bat (Pteropus seychellensis comorensi). Credit: RUSLANAS BARANAUSKAS/SCIENCE PHO/Getty Images/Science Photo Libra; AAP/Mary Evans/Ardea/M. Watson
Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus have been confirmed in India's West Bengal state, and at least 190 people have been quarantined. It's prompted multiple countries in Asia to step up airport screenings to prevent the spread of the infection, which currently has no vaccine or proven treatment. Health Minister Mark Butler says the Australian government is closely monitoring the outbreak. Experts caution that while Nipah is a dangerous virus with a high fatality rate, it does not spread easily from person to person.
Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus have been confirmed in India's West Bengal state, and at least 190 people have been quarantined. It's prompted multiple countries in Asia to step up airport screenings to prevent the spread of the infection, which currently has no vaccine or proven treatment. Health Minister Mark Butler says the Australian government is closely monitoring the outbreak. Experts caution that while Nipah is a dangerous virus with a high fatality rate, it does not spread easily from person to person.
