Editorial | Hong Kong right to remain vigilant against Nipah virus spread
While the virus outbreak has reportedly been contained to the Indian state of West Bengal, precautionary measures and international cooperation are vital
Regardless, it is good to see a tightening of contagion prevention measures such as airport screening. Nipah has a mortality rate of 40 to 75 per cent, with no treatment or vaccine available for people or animals. It is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals such as fruit bats or pigs, contaminated food or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms are similar to those of influenza.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) stresses that the risk of the Nipah virus spreading from India remains low. Dr Albert Au Ka-wing, head of the centre’s communicable disease branch, said authorities had stepped up surveillance as a precautionary measure. Experts recommend avoiding non-essential travel to West Bengal, practising strict hygiene and ensuring rapid reporting of suspected cases. The CHP is coordinating with the World Health Organization and Indian authorities. In that regard, it is activating cooperation instrumental in fighting previous outbreaks such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The city was home to about 42,600 Indians, according to the 2021 population census, while about 100 families belong to the Hong Kong Bengali Association. Indian community leaders say that family and business trips may be postponed, but any long-term impact on the city is unlikely. The CHP has acted swiftly with border screenings, medical surveillance and international coordination. While the current risk remains low, vigilance is essential.