29/01/2026
Australians are being urged to stay alert after a potentially deadly virus was detected in India.
Two cases of the Nipah virus were confirmed in West Bengal in late December, prompting increased airport screening measures in countries including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Health officials said 196 close contacts linked to the two cases were traced and tested, with all returning negative results.
While Nipah has not been detected in Australia, the Department of Agriculture has warned that any outbreak would have “serious consequences” for both human and animal health.
According to the World Health Organization, the virus can spread to humans from animals such as bats or pigs, through contaminated food, and via human-to-human transmission.
The fatality rate ranges between 40 and 75 per cent, depending on the outbreak. Symptoms in humans may include fever, headache, dizziness, vomiting, reduced consciousness, and breathing difficulties, with an incubation period of four to 14 days.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control has issued travel advice for those visiting affected regions, warning people to avoid close contact with anyone suspected of having Nipah, particularly exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.
Credit:Sky News Australia