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A World Health Organisation official said on Jan 30 that the risk of the spread of the Nipah virus is low, saying that none of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected in India had tested positive or developed symptoms of the disease.

Carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs, the virus can cause fever and brain inflammation. It has a fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, with no cure. Vaccines in development are still being tested.

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Transcript
00:00Let's turn to you colleagues for any questions you might have.
00:03Yeah, I had a question on whether you had any testimony.
00:10On 26th January, India notified WHO of two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease in West Bengal state.
00:20As of today, no additional cases have been reported.
00:25The two cases are in a health facility receiving supportive care and didn't travel while symptomatic.
00:34No cases have been reported in any other country associated with this outbreak.
00:40At present, based on current information, the risk at national, regional and global levels is considered low.
00:48WHO will continue to closely monitor the situation in India and other countries.
00:54We are regularly continuing to assess the risk and provide technical support to local health authorities.
01:00We are waiting for India to release the sequence to assess any potential mutation.
01:07But there is no specific evidence that would make us worry for the time being and based on the information that all hypotheses are being assessed, including consumption of all palm sap, as we usually see, and or potential exposure through health care facilities.
01:33And yes, I said that the virus can transmit human to human.
01:39This is true.
01:40And this happens in limited instances through prolonged contact with a sick patient without wearing adequate clothing.
01:50And then we will take you afterwards.
01:54You
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