ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Atta Tarar expressed concern over the spread of the Nipah virus in India, describing the situation as “potentially serious.” The minister made this statement in response to a tweet by sports journalist Saleem Khaleeq, who warned that the T20 World Cup could be affected due to the presence of the virus.
Khaleeq highlighted multiple reports about the new virus outbreak and suggested it might impact international cricket. He also noted that foreign players may hesitate to travel to India, potentially affecting tournament plans. As a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) may consider moving some matches to Sri Lanka as an alternative venue.
The deadly Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal has raised concerns across parts of Asia. Several countries have tightened airport screening measures. Experts warn that while the virus spreads less easily than COVID-19, it is far more lethal. Unlike COVID-19, which has a death rate of 1–2%, Nipah virus infections can kill up to 30–40% of those affected.
Following reports of the outbreak, Thailand began screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at three airports. Nepal also monitors arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India. Since December, two confirmed cases have been reported in West Bengal; both were among healthcare workers. Indian health authorities traced 196 contacts, all of whom tested negative.
The virus can spread from animals to humans and has a very high fatality rate because there is currently no vaccine or cure. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Nipah virus (NiV) as a rapidly spreading disease that causes severe illness in both animals and humans. First identified in 1998 among pigs in the Malaysian town of Nipah, NiV has an extended incubation period—up to 45 days in some cases.
This means infected individuals may show symptoms weeks after exposure, potentially spreading the virus to many others. The virus can also infect humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated food. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal.
The first recognized Nipah outbreak occurred in 1998 among pig farmers in Malaysia and later spread to Singapore. Over 100 people died, and over a million pigs were culled to control the virus, leading to significant economic losses. Bangladesh has been heavily affected since 2001 with more than 100 deaths reported. In India, outbreaks occurred in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, while Kerala became a hotspot recently with 19 cases confirmed in 2018 (17 fatal) and six in 2023 (two fatal).