An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus has been reported in India.
The WHO warns that the disease has the potential to cause a new pandemic.
The virus was detected in the state of West Bengal, near Kolkata, the country's third-most populous city. Authorities have quarantined approximately 100 people who had been in contact with the infected individuals. Five cases have been confirmed so far, all among healthcare workers.
Two nurses are in critical condition. One of them is currently in a coma. It is believed she may have been infected while caring for a patient who died before tests could be conducted, according to The Economic Times.
The Nipah virus is fatal in 40–70% of cases. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for it. Bats or contaminated fruit can be the source of infection.
The main symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, and severe weakness. In some cases, cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia develop.
