Nipah virus: Symptoms and the response as India works to contain an outbreak

India has confirmed five Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, including healthcare workers, and nearly 100 people have been asked to quarantine while patients are treated in hospitals around Kolkata; there is no approved vaccine or specific cure.

India is moving to contain a Nipah virus outbreak in the eastern state of West Bengal after five cases were reported, including doctors and nurses. Nearly 100 people have been asked to quarantine at home, and infected patients are being treated in hospitals in and around Kolkata, with one patient reported in critical condition. Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen with no approved vaccine or proven targeted treatment and can cause flu-like illness that may progress to inflammation of the brain. Current situation: - Five confirmed cases reported in West Bengal, including healthcare workers. - Nearly 100 people have been asked to quarantine; patients are being treated in hospitals around Kolkata and one patient is reported in critical condition. - There is no approved vaccine or proven targeted treatment for Nipah virus. - Typical illness begins with fever, headache and muscle pain and can progress to respiratory symptoms and encephalitis; the incubation period is generally reported as about 4–21 days. Summary: Authorities have reported a small cluster of Nipah cases and are conducting quarantines and hospital care in the affected area. Details about the wider course of the outbreak and ongoing investigations are undetermined at this time.