Research Roundup: Meningitis vaccine rollout, Breath test for bacterial infections, Mosquitoes used to immunize bats In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week.

A team of researchers has designed a vaccine that turns mosquitoes into delivery vehicles to immunize bats against #rabies and #Nipah virus.

www.ghtcoalition.org/blog/researc...

Nipah virus could turn into something "far more severe", scientists warn The Nipah virus, which was first identified in Malaysia in 1999, is still not a priority in South and Southeast Asia despite its repeated emergence, says a correspondence by scientists published in The Lancet. “The danger of Nipah virus is in its persistence, that is, it is periodic, lethal, and preventable,” the authors say. They caution that the way South and Southeast Asia respond now, will determine whether Nipah virus remains a regional epidemic or if it “escalates into something far more severe.” Recent outbreak responses The correspondence warns that the recent cases in India (and Bangladesh) are not anomalies but reminders of a virus with recurrent outbreaks, high mortality, frequent infections of health-care workers, and no approved vaccines or treatments. Most recently, on 26 January 2026, two laboratory‑confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection were recorded in West Bengal. The patients were both nurses at a hospital in the North 24 Parganas district and slipped into a coma. While one had to be placed on mechanical ventilation and died in February, the other nurse was eventually discharged. The Nipah virus infection is a serious but rare zoonotic disease and is transmitted to humans through infected animals such as bats, or...

Nipah virus could turn into something "far more severe", scientists warn
->The Hindu | More on "Nipah virus regional epidemic threat" at BigEarthData.ai | #Health #Virus #Science #Nipah

A female patient consuming raw date palm sap: fever & neurological symptoms on January produced by #Nipah #virus infection

#Bangladesh has small NiV outbreaks, corresponding with the harvesting/consumption of date palm sap

Public health risk is low at the global level

www.who.int/emergencies/...

Alert issued against Nipah in Kerala from April to September Health officials in Kerala have issued an alert against a Nipah infection in the State from April to September. With cases being reported frequently here since 2018, the focus is on Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts. Awareness campaigns for children are also planned as some of the victims in recent years have been from that age group. Kerala has had Nipah outbreaks in 2018 and 2023, both in Kozhikode, one spillover case each in 2019 and 2021, two spillover cases in 2024, and four such cases in 2025, most of which were in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Spillovers are single instances of the infection while outbreaks include human-to-human transmissions. Outbreak patterns According to T.S. Anish, nodal officer, Kozhikode-based Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, the Nipah virus is found to have been active in Kerala in the the six-month period starting in April. “The first outbreak in the State was in early May 2018. That patient could have got infected by the end of the previous month. At the same time, the highest number of cases so far have been in September. In the 2023 outbreak, the first patient died on August 30. But, subsequent cases...

Alert issued against Nipah in Kerala from April to September
->The Hindu | More on "Nipah virus alert Kerala districts" at BigEarthData.ai | #Nipah #Health

Glad they are looking for a vaccine for the #Nipah virus.

Spread by fruit bats. Be sure to heat treat raw palm sugar or dates from Bangladesh and India.

Vaccines save my life from those viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza (commonly known as flu), monkeypox (WHO codename: Mpox) and nipah during the pandemic.

@juanindojorgijanad.bsky.social

#vaccination #vaccinations #vaccine #vaccines #covid #covid19 #flu #influenza #mpox #nipah

#Nipah virus molecular #detection from whole #blood and respiratory #swabs in a rapid field-ready protocol

#Nipah virus molecular #detection from whole #blood and respiratory #swabs in a rapid field-ready protocol, etidiohnew.blogspot.com/2026/03/nipa...

Using mosquitoes to vaccinate bats could curb the spread of deadly diseases But scientists say there are practical and ethical challenges to overcome before the strategy could be deployed in real-world settings.

👀"Mosquitoes that have been designed to carry vaccines in their saliva have been used to inoculate bats against the #rabies and #Nipah viruses" 🦟💉🦇https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00795-3

A structure-based mRNA vaccine for Nipah virus in healthy adults: a phase 1 trial A total of 40 participants, 18 females (45%) and 22 males (55%), with an overall mean age of 37 years (range 22–59) were enrolled into the study from 11 July 2022 to 22 August 2023 (Fig. 1 and Table 1). Eligible participants were adults 18–60 years of age who were in good general health as determined by medical history, physical examination and laboratory testing. Specific exclusion criteria related to NiV included confirmed past NiV infection or previous residence for more than 6 months or planned travel during the study for any length of time to places where NiV infection is endemic. The full list of eligibility criteria can be accessed in the Methods and in the protocol (available in the Supplementary information and in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05398796). Ten participants each in the 25-μg and 100-μg dose groups received two mRNA-1215 administrations, and 19 of 20 participants completed all follow-up visits. One participant in the 25-μg group missed a single visit. The ten participants in the 50 μg group completed both vaccine administrations, and all but one participant completed all follow-up visits. One participant in the 10 μg dose group received only the first dose of mRNA-1215 but completed all follow-up visits;...

A structure-based mRNA vaccine for Nipah virus in healthy adults: a phase 1 trial
->Nature | More info at BigEarthData.ai | #Nipah #Vaccine #Virus #Healthy

Screenshot of the title and first three paragraphs of the first page of the linked assessment

New WHO Rapid Risk Assessment for #Nipah
www.who.int/publications...

Rapid #Risk #Assessment, Acute Event of Potential Public Health Concern: #Nipah Virus #Infection - Global (#WHO, Mar. 6 '26, summary)

Rapid #Risk #Assessment, Acute Event of Potential Public Health Concern: #Nipah Virus #Infection - Global (#WHO, Mar. 6 '26, summary), etidiohnew.blogspot.com/2026/03/rapi...

En cinq questions : doit-on craindre le virus #Nipah? Ce virus inquiète certains pays d’Asie, notamment l’Inde et le Bangladesh, où des épidémies ont déjà eu lieu. Un expert fait le point.
www.quebecscience.qc.ca/sante/cinq-questions-vir...

Espero que ela não venha, mas a OMS começa a pedir q o Mundo se prepare para possível #pandemia pelo vírus #NIPAH.
Vale a pena se informar e apoiar quem pode salvar Vidas: SUS, pesquisadoras, legisladores e governantes não negacionistas...
#saúde preventiva #resiliência #vacina

Commentary: Singapore's best defence against Nipah virus isn't temperature screening at the airport SINGAPORE: Singapore stopped temperature screening in airports from Monday (Feb 23), less than a month after it was introduced as a precautionary measure against the Nipah virus. The health ministry said that no cases had been reported locally and that the outbreak in India had stabilised. But some netizens are still concerned that this could increase the risk of the deadly virus entering the country. Nipah virus infection is often severe, and there is currently no commercially available antiviral treatment or vaccine. Well over half of infected individuals develop symptoms of brain and/or lung involvement, and of these, between 10 per cent and 80 per cent will die. This is likely why some have lingering concerns about the removal of airport screening. But it’s worth bearing in mind that the World Health Organization assessed, with broad expert concurrence, that the risk of regional or global spread of Nipah virus was low. Airport screening was, in fact, not recommended. MORE REASSURANCE THAN RELIABILITY On its own, thermal scanning at ports of entry is not effective in keeping pathogens out. This is seen in evidence accumulated over two decades. Studies of the COVID-19 pandemic again showed that such screening was unreliable, failing...

Commentary: Singapore's best defence against Nipah virus isn't temperature screening at the airport
->Channel News Asia | More on "Singapore Nipah virus airport screening" at BigEarthData.ai | #Nipah #Health #Virus

#Nipah #Virus Explained: The 75% Death Rate Virus Spreading in #Asia. Nipah virus is back in the news. A pharmacist breaks down what you need to know - how it spreads, why it's so deadly, and whether you should be worried.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXXq...
:Cat-N
#Virus #Nipah

Singapore to ease measures against Nipah virus from Feb 23; no cases reported to date no cases linked to the outbreak in India reported here as at Feb 20 . In a statement on Feb 20, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said it will cease temperature screening at the airport and seaports for flights and ships arriving from affected areas. It will also stop disseminating related health advisories for travellers at Singapore’s points of entry. These were among the public health measures introduced in January in response to the outbreak in West Bengal, India. Several Asian countries stepped up precautions to prevent the spread of the disease after the Indian authorities confirmed two infections . Following that, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Feb 6 said a woman had died in northern Bangladesh in January after contracting the virus. Symptoms include intense fever, vomiting and a respiratory infection. Severe cases can involve seizures and brain inflammation that can result in a coma. CDA said no cases linked to the outbreak have been reported in Singapore so far. “The Nipah virus infection situation in West Bengal has stabilised, with no new cases reported. No human-to-human transmission has been detected in Bangladesh,” CDA said. Even as Singapore returns to baseline surveillance levels, CDA stressed that it will...

Singapore to ease measures against Nipah virus from Feb 23; no cases reported to date
->The Straits Times | More on "Singapore easing Nipah virus measures" at BigEarthData.ai | #Nipah #Health #Virus

🦇 India’s Jan 2026 Nipah alert: 2 nurses infected in West Bengal, >200 contacts monitored, no spread so far and low global risk. But with 40–75% fatality and no vaccine, every spillover matters. Strong surveillance and One Health action are key. #Nipah #GlobalHealth

Microbios desde el museo: Cuidado con el Nipah <p><!--StartFragment--><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; direction: ltr; lin...

Hablamos del virus #Nipah en @cadenaser.com

cadenaser.com/audio/177175...

Stopping Nipah Before It Spreads Editors Note: This Q&A was originally posted on February 4, 2026. On February 6, 2026, the World Health Organization updated its website to reflect reports of a new case in Bangladesh. Newswise — In a world still feeling the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, news of a potential new viral threat can quickly raise alarm. That was the case following reports in India of a recent outbreak of Nipah virus, which causes an often-fatal disease with no approved vaccines or treatments. Nipah virus is carried by fruit bats (Pteropus species), which do not become ill but can pass the virus to people or livestock through contaminated food or close contact. Once humans are infected, the virus can spread from person to person, usually through direct contact with bodily fluids while caring for someone who is seriously sick. In people, Nipah most often causes severe brain swelling, known as encephalitis, and sometimes respiratory illness. Although health officials report that the outbreak appears contained, several Asian countries—including Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—and Hong Kong have increased airport screening as a precaution. To help explain what’s known about this outbreak and what it means for global health, Felicia Nutter, an...

Stopping Nipah Before It Spreads
->Newswise | More on "Nipah virus outbreak and prevention" at BigEarthData.ai | #Nipah #Health

Nipah virus causing a possible real-life ‘Contagion’ film scenario – should we Nipah virus causing a possible real-life ‘Contagion’ film scenario – should we be worried? | LSHTM

With #Nipah virus causing infections & deaths in West Bengal in India & Bangladesh – should we be worried?

We ask Centre member @sorukeem.bsky.social what scientists know about it & what is being done to contain and treat infections.

👉 bit.ly/3MO7Den

@lshtm.bsky.social @cmmid-lshtm.bsky.social

How prepared is Africa for Nipah virus risk? Experts say early detection is critical — you can’t stop what you don’t see. Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma (VillageReach) emphasizes strengthening lab sample transport and early warning systems.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZSVeIW

#Nipah #PublicHealth

Cayman prepared as Nipah virus risk remains low Cayman’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hillary Wolf says the risk of the zoonotic Nipah virus reaching Cayman remains low, but authorities are maintaining close surveillance and laboratory readiness as cases continue to be reported in parts of Asia. Speaking on CompassTV’s Forefront on 12 Feb., Wolf said the Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation through international health networks, including the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean Public Health Agency. “We have been following it very closely and get regular updates through the WHO and PAHO and CARPHA,” she said. “The biggest thing for us is making sure that we have laboratory capacity if, in fact, we were concerned that it was coming to the island.” She pointed to the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory as a critical asset in strengthening preparedness. “We are working with CIMBL, our molecular biology lab … which has been a huge game changer for the island and really trying to make sure that we develop capacity if, for some reason, we were to get it. Although right now the risk seems low, but we are watching very vigilantly,” Wolf said. - Advertisement - What is Nipah virus? Nipah virus...

Cayman prepared as Nipah virus risk remains low
->Cayman Compass | More on "Nipah virus surveillance in Cayman" at BigEarthData.ai | #Health #Nipah #Virus

Pharmacy Times features #GVN Center of Excellence Director Linfa Wang, PhD (Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore), on the latest #Nipah virus case in Bangladesh. While infections are serious, outbreaks remain localized. His message: “Be alert, but not alarmed.”

Read more:
https://ow.ly/savI50YcMg5

Nipah virus: Know the danger signs & how to protect your family Nipah virus is a rare but potentially deadly disease that has caused repeated outbreaks in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh. While cases are not common, the virus has a high fatality rate, which makes awareness and prevention extremely important. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats, often called flying foxes, are the natural carriers. People can become infected through direct contact with infected bats or animals such as pigs. The virus can also spread through contaminated food — especially raw date palm sap or fruits that have been partially eaten or contaminated by bats. In some outbreaks, the virus has spread from person to person, particularly among family members and healthcare workers who were in close contact with infected patients. Recognising the danger signs: Symptoms usually appear between 4 and 14 days after exposure, though in some cases they may develop later. The illness often begins with general, flu-like symptoms, which can make early recognition difficult. Early signs may include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, vomiting, difficulty breathing, etc. As the infection progresses, it can affect the brain and nervous system. More serious symptoms include drowsiness or...

Nipah virus: Know the danger signs & how to protect your family
->The Daily Star | More on "Nipah virus danger and prevention" at BigEarthData.ai | #Virus #Nipah #Health

Nurse Succumbs to Nipah Virus Infection: Deadly Symptoms and Human Transmission Risk Explained Nipah virus, also known as NiV, is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. It was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998. Fruit bats of the Pteropus species — commonly known as flying foxes — are natural carriers of the virus. Outbreaks have since been reported in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh. The virus can spread to humans through:...

Nurse Succumbs to Nipah Virus Infection: Deadly Symptoms and Human Transmission Risk Explained
->Times Now | More on "Nipah virus transmission and symptoms" at BigEarthData.ai | #Nipah #Health #VirusInfection

Deadly Nipah virus deemed 'limited' by scientists - VnExpress International A patient, who according to medics is suffering from Nipah infection, is shifted to an ICU of Nipah isolation ward in Kozhikode Medical College in Kozhikode district in the southern state of Kerala, India, July 20, 2024. Photo by Reuters Named for the Malaysian village where it was first identified, the Nipah virus is an infectious disease transmitted primarily by bats. Often fatal, its potential to spread has so far been considered limited by scientists. The death of a woman in Bangladesh and the confirmation of several cases in northeastern India in early 2026 reignited fears of wider spread and even a potential pandemic threat. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore immediately strengthened their border controls. While both outbreaks have occurred since early 2026 along the border between India and Bangladesh, the two recent clusters are not linked, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday. No other cases have been identified after tracing more than 230 contacts. At this stage, the WHO considers the risk of the virus spreading, both regionally and globally, to be "low". Indian nurse dies of Nipah An Indian health worker who contracted the deadly Nipah virus in December has died, a senior health...

Deadly Nipah virus deemed 'limited' by scientists - VnExpress International
->VN Express International | More on "Deadly Nipah virus deemed limited" at BigEarthData.ai | #Virus #Nipah #Science #Health

Nipah virus : Singapore closely monitoring global situation, prepared to adjust public health measures SINGAPORE: Singapore is closely monitoring the Nipah virus situation in India and globally, and will adjust public health measures as needed based on the evolving risk, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Koh Poh Koon said in parliament on Thursday (Feb 12). On the virus, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued clinical guidance to all medical practitioners. MOH has conducted an educational webinar for primary care doctors, while the Electronic Health Declaration Card for all incoming travellers has been adjusted, Dr Koh said. Additionally, the Ministry of Manpower has disseminated announcements by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on precautionary health measures to migrant workers, domestic workers, employers, dormitory operators and employment agencies, Dr Koh said. This is on top of earlier measures, such as requiring daily temperature checks for new migrant workers who have travelled to India's West Bengal state, and temperature screenings at airports for flights from affected areas. Dr Koh was responding to a parliamentary question filed by MP Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar), on the ministry’s response to the Nipah virus, in view of its high case rate fatality. The virus, which spreads from animals to humans, has an estimated fatality rate of 40 per...

Nipah virus : Singapore closely monitoring global situation, prepared to adjust public health measures
->Channel News Asia | More on "Nipah virus monitoring and preparedness" at BigEarthData.ai | #Virus #Nipah #PublicHealth

ÚLTIMA HORA | Alerta en España por el virus Nipah: sanidad pide prepararse con un protocolo

https://youtu.be/ERvy3Y5m-CY

#ultimahora #españa #nipah #virus #salud #sanidad #breakingnews #noticiasenespañol #gobierno #negociostv

25-year-old Kolkata nurse dies of cardiac arrest after recovering from Nipah virus A 25-year-old nurse died on Thursday at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, due to complications arising from a Nipah virus infection. This marks the first fatality from the virus in West Bengal in recent history. While health ministry sources clarified that the death could not be entirely attributed to the Nipah virus, they acknowledged that the infection triggered complications that led to her decline. Advertisement The nurse had tested positive for the Nipah virus in December, along with another member of the nursing staff. However, despite testing negative for the virus in recent weeks, her health remained critically compromised. She had been under intensive treatment for several weeks. Hospital officials reported that the nurse had been in a prolonged coma, which weakened her immunity, and she later developed a lung infection. Although she had been removed from ventilator support at the end of January, her condition worsened in early February, and she was placed back on the ventilator on Wednesday. Sadly, she passed away from cardiac arrest around 4 p.m. on Thursday. An official explained, "Though she had recovered from the Nipah infection, she was suffering from multiple complications." Advertisement The National Centre for Disease Control...

25-year-old Kolkata nurse dies of cardiac arrest after recovering from Nipah virus
->Business Today | More on "Kolkata nurse dies from Nipah" at BigEarthData.ai | #Virus #Nipah #Health

🧬 OMS descarta riesgo de pandemia por virus Nipah y prioriza reforma sanitaria mundial | #SALUD La OMS confirma riesgo bajo por virus Nipah y anuncia reforma en su gobernanza. Analizamos el aumento de vacunas contra el cólera y retos de salud.

🧬 #OMS descarta riesgo de #pandemia por virus #Nipah y prioriza reforma sanitaria mundial | #SALUD www.newstecnicas.info.ve/2026/02/oms-...