Core Viewpoint - The recent outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, has raised significant public health concerns, although there are currently no reported cases in China. The virus has a high fatality rate and poses long-term health risks, including severe neurological complications [3][5]. Virus Transmission Pathways - The Nipah virus is primarily hosted by fruit bats and can be transmitted to humans through two main pathways: intermediate host amplification (e.g., pigs) and direct transmission from bats to humans, particularly through contaminated food such as fresh date palm juice [4][6]. - In Bangladesh and India, direct transmission occurs mainly through food contaminated with bat urine or saliva, with a notable seasonal pattern aligning with the harvest of date palm juice [4][8]. Clinical Manifestations - The clinical progression of Nipah virus infection typically starts with flu-like symptoms, which can escalate to severe encephalitis. The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days, with a maximum of 45 days. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, and respiratory issues, while severe cases can lead to high mortality rates and long-term neurological sequelae [5][6]. Transmission Efficiency - The basic reproduction number (R₀) of the Nipah virus is estimated to be low, around 0.33 in Bangladesh, indicating limited human-to-human transmission potential. However, certain conditions can significantly increase the risk of transmission [6][9]. - Human-to-human transmission is more prevalent with the Bangladesh strain of the virus, accounting for a significant proportion of reported cases in India, where it exceeds 75% [9]. Environmental Stability - The Nipah virus exhibits a degree of environmental stability, surviving in contaminated juices for several days and in bat urine for up to 18 hours. It can be effectively inactivated by heat and common disinfectants [7][8]. Preventive Measures - Although there are currently no cases in China, preventive measures have been implemented, including monitoring and early detection protocols at ports to prevent cross-border transmission of the Nipah virus [9].