New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed that the situation following the confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in India carries a low risk of wider spread and does not warrant international travel or trade restrictions, according to the global health body’s statement on Friday.
This conclusion comes amid heightened surveillance across parts of Asia after authorities reported the two confirmed infections, which were first identified in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.
WHO said, as per the report, the cases are limited to the district and that there was no travel reported while the patients were showing symptoms.
“The likelihood of spread to other Indian states or internationally is considered low,” it mentioned, reported Hindustan Times.
WHO emphasised that despite the serious nature of the disease, there is currently no need for restrictions on travel or trade based on the present evidence, according to a Hindustan Times report. The organisation said the risk is considered low at national, regional and global levels.
Health authorities in several Asian countries had earlier intensified health checks for travellers arriving from affected regions. However, the WHO assessment indicates these two cases are currently not expected to lead to a broader outbreak.
The Nipah virus, known to be carried by fruit bats and occasionally by other animals like pigs, can cause severe illness in humans, including fever and swelling of the brain.
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