Baghdad: The World Health Organization (WHO) stated on Wednesday that there is no evidence of a widespread outbreak of the Nipah virus at present, while India denied reports of five cases of infection. The WHO’s Russian office told Sputnik News Agency: “There is currently no evidence of an increase or widespread transmission of the infection, and India has demonstrated a high capacity to detect and contain these outbreaks.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the WHO recommended taking preventive measures when traveling, including avoiding close contact with infected individuals and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear. In mid-January, authorities in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal announced two cases of Nipah virus infection among healthcare workers. The two patients are receiving treatment at Parasata Hospital, where they work, and have been placed in isolation and on ventilators.

It is worth noting that the Nipah virus is considered one of the most dangerous viruses in the world. There is no cure or vaccine for it. The virus causes fever and encephalitis, leading to damage and death of brain cells. The mortality rate among those infected ranges from 40% to 75%.