Taiwan to raise health warning for Nipah virus to Category 5
台灣將立百病毒（Nipah Virus）健康警訊等級提升至5級
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s health ministry recommended upgrading Nipah virus to Category 5 infectious disease status on Sunday, citing heightened concern following a recent outbreak in India, per CNA.
Nipah virus is a highly pathogenic, zoonotic RNA virus transmitted via fruit bats, infected pigs, and human-to-human. It can cause severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis, with reported mortality rates ranging from 40% to 75%. The virus was first identified in humans in Malaysia in 1998, followed by an outbreak in Singapore in 1999. To date, more than 750 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide. In recent years, outbreaks in Bangladesh have been typically seasonal, occurring from December to May, coinciding with the harvest of date palm sap, which fruit bats consume. In India, infections have been largely concentrated in the southern state of Kerala, where many cases have been linked to hospital-acquired transmission. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control updated its international epidemic report, noting that two suspected Nipah virus cases had been reported in West Bengal, India. The cases were confirmed after retesting, and they are now in critical condition. Three healthcare workers have also developed symptoms and are undergoing testing. Authorities have identified about 120 close contacts, including healthcare workers and their family members. The source of infection remains unclear, with officials investigating possible human-to-human transmission or exposure through contaminated fruit or fresh date palm sap. Transmission Consumption of fruit, dates, or sap contaminated by the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats can also lead to infection. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented in outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, primarily through contact with the secretions or excrement of infected individuals. Infections occur through direct contact with sick pigs, through the oral or nasal secretions, or through the tissues of infected animals. Although less common than pigs, horses, goats, sheep, cats, and dogs can also become infected with the Nipah virus. CDC Deputy Director-General and Spokesperson Lin Min-cheng (林明誠) said fruit bats are the primary vector of the virus. If an infected bat feeds on fruit, humans may become infected by consuming contaminated produce, he said. Lin added that date palm sap harvesting poses a particular risk, as the sweet sap attracts fruit bats at night. Bats may contaminate the sap while feeding, and drinking it raw increases the risk of infection. Symptoms and treatment Early symptoms of Nipah virus infection resemble influenza, and some cases may be asymptomatic. Severe cases can progress to encephalitis and seizures, with patients potentially falling into a coma within 24 to 48 hours. Survivors may experience long-term effects, including recurrent seizures or personality changes. Health authorities advise the public to avoid traveling to areas where the Nipah virus is prevalent and to maintain good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, especially after contact with animals. Fruit should be thoroughly washed before consumption. Protective measures, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing, should be used when handling animals, particularly those that are sick, Lin said. He also urged travelers to be cautious when drinking coconut juice abroad and to avoid fruit that appears to have been bitten by bats or otherwise contaminated. Hospitals should strictly enforce infection control measures to prevent exposure to the blood, bodily fluids, or excrement of infected patients. Hands should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with soap or a 70% to 75% alcohol-based hand sanitizer after caring for or visiting patients, Lin said. |
|
| Taiwan to raise health warning for Nipah virus to Category 5 | |
| 2026-01-26 |
