Nipah: A virus from animals with a 75% fatality rate but not yet a pandemic

In recent weeks, global media has begun to pay attention to Nipah—a zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans) with a fatality rate of up to 75%. The new outbreak reported in India has triggered warnings from the international health community, but the key point to understand is: this virus has not caused a global pandemic like COVID-19, and its potential to become such a threat is still considered lower by experts. 💥

Dangerous Characteristics of This Animal Virus

Nipah is one of the priority viral agents closely monitored by WHO, and the reason is simple: it is extremely deadly. When infected, the disease can progress rapidly and cause severe complications. In previous outbreaks, the fatality rate ranged from 40% to 75%, depending on healthcare conditions and other factors. Therefore, when a Nipah case appears in a hospital, healthcare workers must be on high alert. 🏥

However, contrary to what many hastily conclude, the danger of this virus does not lie in its rapid spread, but in the severity of the disease. It does not transmit through airborne particles like SARS-CoV-2, but mainly through close contact, consuming contaminated food, and droplets from infected individuals. 📌

Why It Spreads More Slowly Than COVID-19

This is a very important point to calm unnecessary fears. Nipah does not have the mass transmission mechanism that COVID-19 had. It does not disperse widely in the air, does not persist on surfaces for long periods, and requires direct or indirect contact (via contaminated food) to spread. That’s why the cases in Indian hospitals are detected early and remain under control.

Some are trying to label Nipah as “COVID-2,” but this is not scientifically justified—at least based on what we currently know. Fear is a human instinct, but exaggerating the risk will only cause unnecessary panic. 💡

WHO and Countries’ Warning Responses

Countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia have already begun increasing health checks at airports, similar to the early days of the COVID pandemic. But it’s important to understand: these are preventive measures, not signs of an impending pandemic. WHO has listed Nipah among priority pathogens for research not because it is about to spread worldwide, but because its extremely high fatality rate warrants close monitoring. 🔍

Hidden Risks That Need Monitoring

What is truly concerning is a “what if” scenario: if Nipah mutates and becomes more easily transmissible, the consequences could be even more devastating than COVID-19, given its already high fatality rate. That’s why WHO and international health organizations never lower their guard regarding this animal virus.

Conclusion: Nipah is a significant health threat, but the current situation remains under control. What’s needed is close surveillance, vaccine research, and avoiding any lapses—not panic, but long-term caution.