Professor Dr. Selim Badur advises those traveling to South Asia and the Far East to avoid potentially contaminated fruit juices or other foods, and emphasizes the importance of adhering to standard precautions, particularly hand hygiene, to prevent person-to-person transmission.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur, a faculty member at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul Atlas University Faculty of Medicine, offered his assessment regarding the Nipah virus, which has been the subject of much discussion recently.
Nipah virus was first identified in 1999.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur stated that the Nipah virus, which has been frequently mentioned in recent years, has been discussed for nearly 30 years, adding, “First detected in pig farm workers in Malaysia in 1999, Nipah virus infection is an infectious disease that can cause serious illnesses in humans and animals and has a high mortality rate. The mortality rate in this disease ranges from 40-75 percent. Nipah virus is particularly prevalent in South and Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines).”
It is transmitted from animals to humans.
Noting that the Nipah virus is a virus transmitted from animals to humans, Prof. Dr. Selim Badur said, “The Nipah virus, an RNA agent from the Paramyxoviridae family, is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans. Fruit bats and Pteropus species bats, also known as 'flying foxes,' are the natural hosts of the virus. Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with infected animals, especially bats (such as flying fox bats) and pigs, or by contact with contaminated tissues and secretions of these animals.”
Consuming contaminated fruits and vegetables can lead to infection.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur stated that consuming contaminated fruits and vegetables can also play a role in Nipah virus infection, saying, “Consuming foods such as fruits and vegetables contaminated by the saliva, urine, and feces of these animals can also cause infection. For example, cases observed in Bangladesh in September 2025 were linked to raw date juice contaminated by fruit bats. Besides bats, transmission is possible through animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.”
There may be a risk of transmission through close contact.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur stated that if the virus infects humans, these individuals can transmit the pathogen to others through close contact. He added, “Although transmission has been reported in family members of infected individuals or healthcare workers caring for them, such cases are very limited. Indeed, the two most recent cases detected in India were confirmed by the Pune National Institute of Virology on January 13, 2026, and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 26, 2026. Both cases involved healthcare workers employed in hospitals.”
Infection can lead to different conditions.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur stated that the infection caused by the Nipah virus can manifest in different ways, saying, “The Nipah virus causes illnesses ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe conditions characterized by acute respiratory distress or encephalitis, which can lead to coma in the infected individual within 24-48 hours. Initially, infected individuals experience symptoms similar to those seen in many viral infections, such as fever, headache and muscle aches, vomiting, and sore throat. The incubation period varies between 4-14 days, but can extend up to 45 days. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue are frequently observed in those who recover.”
Is there a vaccine for Nipah virus?
Noting that there is currently no specific drug or vaccine against Nipah virus infections, Prof. Dr. Selim Badur said, “Intensive supportive care is recommended in the treatment of severe respiratory or nervous system complications. There are studies reporting that the use of ribavirin reduces mortality; studies have also been conducted with Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Balapiravir and fusion inhibitors, and partially positive results have been obtained.”
mRNA vaccine studies are ongoing.
Prof. Dr. Selim Badur stated that mRNA vaccine studies (mRNA-1215) have been ongoing in recent years; furthermore, studies on vector vaccines and subunit-peptide vaccines are in the experimental phase. Prof. Dr. Selim Badur said, “A recombinant human monoclonal antibody (m102.4) created against the henipavirus glycoprotein protects animals infected with the Nipah virus from disease; its application for humans is in the research phase.”
Fruit juices and other foods that may be contaminated should be avoided.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur also commented on whether this virus poses a threat to those traveling to the Far East and what precautions travelers should take:
“Following the reporting of a Nipah virus outbreak in the West Bengal region of India in the last week of January 2026, airports in Asian countries were put on alert; passengers arriving from high-risk areas were subjected to health screenings. Although Nipah virus cases are seen almost every year in the South Asian region, awareness is low globally. Public health efforts focus on raising awareness and providing information related to risk factors, teaching preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of contact with the virus, and early detection. In short, it is important to avoid potentially contaminated fruit juices or other foods; and to adhere to standard precautions, especially hand hygiene, to prevent person-to-person transmission.”
WHO recommendations
Noting that the WHO recommends that healthcare workers always apply standard precautions for all patients to prevent and control infections, Prof. Dr. Selim Badur explained these recommendations as follows: “Suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection should be placed in single rooms. The WHO recommends the application of contact and droplet transmission precautions during patient care, including the use of medical masks, protective goggles, fluid-resistant gowns, and examination gloves. During procedures that generate aerosols, precautions should be taken against airborne transmission; the patient should be placed in an airborne isolation room, and an N95/FFP2 mask should be used instead of a medical mask.”
The claim that it "will lead to pandemics" is an exaggerated approach.
Professor Dr. Selim Badur concluded his remarks as follows: “Although various publications, and especially the written press, mention Nipah virus ‘outbreaks,’ considering the routes of transmission, it is an exaggeration to say that this virus can cause widespread outbreaks or even pandemics. The most accurate definition of Nipah virus infections is the WHO statement that it is a ‘rare but serious infection.’”
