Low risk of deadly Nipah virus spreading to Namibia

The risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading to Namibia or the southern African region remains low.

This follows two confirmed cases in India, World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Richard Banda says.

Nipah is a rare but highly deadly zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, mainly through fruit bats and pigs.

Cases of the virus were detected in India’s West Bengal area, involving two nurses working at the same hospital.

Executive director of health and social services Penda Iithindi has not responded to requests for comment by the time of going to print.

CURRENT STATUS

The WHO says close to 200 people who have come into contact with the infected healthcare workers have been traced and tested, with all results returning negative.

“There is no evidence at this stage of increased human-to-human transmission, and India has demonstrated the capacity to contain such outbreaks based on previous experience,” Banda says.

The virus can cause severe illness, including fever, respiratory distress and inflammation of the brain.

Fatality rates range between 40% and 75%, and there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with bodily fluids, including saliva and respiratory droplets.

According to the WHO, Nipah is listed among priority diseases for research and development because of its epidemic potential, particularly in healthcare settings.

Despite global concern, the WHO says there is no justification for travel or trade restrictions at this stage.

“The WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions based on the currently available information,” Banda says.

ABOUT THE VIRUS

The BBC has reported that the outbreak has nevertheless prompted heightened vigilance in parts of Asia, with countries such as Thailand and Nepal tightening health screening at airports and border points for travellers from affected areas.

General practitioner Dr Cornelia Ndifon says the Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 and has since been reported in Singapore, Bangladesh, India and the Philippines.

She says the incubation period ranges from four to 14 days, with symptoms including high fever, body aches, headaches, a sore throat, nausea, vomiting and respiratory problems that can rapidly progress to severe pneumonia.

“When the brain is affected, patients may develop confusion, dizziness and meningitis, which can lead to death,” Ndifon says, noting that some outbreaks have recorded fatality rates of over 70%.

Transmission can occur through coughing and sneezing during close contact, handling infected animals, or consuming food contaminated by bats.

Ndifon says prevention measures include heightened surveillance at international airports, strict hand hygiene, the use of protective equipment when handling potentially infected animals, early reporting of symptoms and isolating sick individuals.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to remain calm, saying they are closely monitoring developments and will issue updates as necessary.

Namibia Airports Company spokesperson Dan Kamati says the entity has taken note of the concerns raised and will be guided by ongoing engagements with relevant stakeholders.

“Appropriate statements will be made by the relevant stakeholders in this regard. We call for calm during this period,” he says.

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