A deadly virus with no treatment has been identified. Is NC at risk? What to know
A deadly virus have been reported in India, prompting tighter security measures at airports around the globe.
Two cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed in healthcare workers in India, with airports in Thailand and Nepal screening passengers from the area where the virus was detected, BBC reported. The Charlotte Observer reached out to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport to find out more about their screening procedures, but they did not respond by the time of publication.
Nipah virus is a disease that can spread from animals to people, through contaminated food or from person to person, according to the World Health Organization, which notes that the virus’ mortality rate is estimated to be 40% to 75%.
Is North Carolina at risk? Here’s what you need to know.
Have there been any Nipah virus cases reported in NC?
No. There has never been a recorded case of Nipah virus in North America, Newsweek reported.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
People infected with the Nipah virus may show no symptoms, but the illness can cause a wide range of effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
More severe cases can include brain swelling, or encephalitis, where symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness and seizures, the CDC says, adding that symptoms typically appear four to 14 days after infection.
How does Nipah virus spread?
Nipah virus spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, feces and blood, and through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The virus was first identified after people who had been in contact with infected pigs became seriously ill, with researchers later tracing the source to bats.
Most infections begin when the virus passes from animals to humans, either through direct contact with infected bats or pigs or through contaminated food, including fruit and raw date palm sap. Once a person is infected, the virus can spread to others during close contact or caregiving, which is why protective equipment is critical when treating patients.
Is there a treatment or cure for Nipah virus?
No. There are no medications to treat or cure Nipah virus, meaning treatment involves managing your symptoms, Cleveland Clinic says:
- Drink lots of water.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Use medications to control nausea or vomiting.
- Use inhalers or nebulizers to improve breathing difficulties.
- Take antiseizure medications if you experience a seizure.
How to prevent Nipah virus
If you travel or live in an area where Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred, here are some ways you can reduce your risk of contracting Nipah virus, according to the CDC:
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with bats, sick pigs and areas where bats roost.
- Don’t touch or eat food that may be contaminated by bats, including raw date palm sap or fallen fruit.
- Avoid contact with the blood or bodily fluids of anyone infected with Nipah.
This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM with the headline "A deadly virus with no treatment has been identified. Is NC at risk? What to know."
