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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said the risk posed by the Nipah virus outbreak in India remains low at the national, regional and global levels, following the confirmation of two cases in West Bengal state.
India informed the WHO earlier this week of the two confirmed infections, which remain the only known cases linked to the outbreak.
Both patients are receiving supportive care in a healthcare facility and did not travel while symptomatic, according to Anais Legand, a technical officer with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Legrand said no cases associated with the outbreak have been reported in any other country.
Indian authorities have activated outbreak control measures, including enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and patient management.
Field investigations are underway to identify the source of the infections and determine whether there has been any further transmission.
Over 190 contacts of the two confirmed cases are being closely monitored, the WHO said, adding that none have developed symptoms or tested positive so far.
Nipah virus is a rare but potentially fatal zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from infected animals, particularly fruit bats, to humans through direct contact or contaminated food products such as raw date palm sap.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in close-contact settings.
The WHO said it remains in close coordination with Indian health authorities and will continue to monitor the situation while providing technical support as needed.
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