The World Health Organization has said no new Nipah virus infection case was detected in India since September 15.
In India, six laboratory-confirmed cases of Nipah virus, including two deaths, were reported over the course of three days last month.
Nipah virus infection is spread to humans through contact with infected animals such as bats and pigs, and less frequently, through direct contact with an infected individual.
WHO warned that symptoms are “severe” and may include acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis.
Case fatality rates in past outbreaks across southern Asia have ranged from 40 to 100 per cent and there are no available therapies or vaccines.
“The only way to reduce or prevent infection in people is by raising awareness about the risk factors and preventive measures,” WHO said.
The cases, all in one district of Kerala, were reported between 12 and 15 September. Large-scale contact tracing was put in place by the health authorities and since 15 September, no new cases have been detected.
According to WHO, this is the sixth outbreak of Nipah virus in India since 2001.
