The Nipah virus is back and we need to remain vigilant against it

Although pigs were the source of the NIV during Malaysia’s one and only outbreak, fruit bats have been the primary transmitters of the virus in other outbreaks since. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

Recent reports of Nipah virus (NIV) infections in Kerala state in India have attracted global attention.

Since it was first reported in August (2023), there have been six cases, two of whom have died, as of Sept 23 (2023), with more than 700 healthcare workers tested in the past week.