New delhi: An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus has been recorded in India, prompting a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) about its potential to spark a new pandemic, APA reports. The virus has been detected in the state of West Bengal, near the bustling city of Kolkata. In response, authorities have quarantined approximately 100 individuals who had contact with the infected person. Presently, there are five confirmed cases, all of whom are healthcare workers.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the condition of two nurses is particularly concerning, with one currently in a coma. The Economic Times suggests that the nurse may have contracted the virus while attending to a patient who succumbed to the illness before diagnostic tests could be conducted.

The Nipah virus is notorious for its high mortality rate, causing death in 40-70 percent of cases. Unfortunately, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for the virus, which can be transmitted through bats or contaminated fruit. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle aches, severe fatigue, and in some cases, respiratory complications such as cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia.

Indian authorities are actively implementing measures to curb the spread of the virus in West Bengal, APA reports, citing The Independent newspaper. The special task force has been established to evaluate the situation and avert a potential widespread outbreak.