Nipah virus: Should Arkhangelsk Region fear a new pandemic?
In early 2026, a new outbreak of Nipah virus—a rare but deadly infection with no vaccines—occurred in India. Can this virus reach Russia and Arkhangelsk Region? How to protect against it? And should northerners expect a new pandemic, like with COVID-19? 29.RU discussed this with Irina Shchepina, chief freelance specialist in infectious diseases at the Ministry of Health of Arkhangelsk Region.
A Global Threat
Nipah virus causes severe illness in humans and animals. It was first identified in 1998 in Malaysia, in the village of Kampung Sungai Nipah. Since its first detection, over 700 cases have been recorded to date.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first major outbreak occurred in the same Malaysia in 1998–1999. About 265 cases were registered then, most of which ended in death. In subsequent years, Nipah outbreaks occurred in Singapore (1999), Bangladesh (starting from 2001), and various states of India (starting from 2001).
«The fatality rate from Nipah virus is high, ranging from 40% to 75%. The high mortality associated with the disease, and the lack of effective treatment and vaccines against it, allow it to be classified as a global threat,» comments Irina Shchepina.
In January 2026, five confirmed cases were registered. All occurred in India, specifically in the state of West Bengal, near the city of Kolkata.
Source – Fruit Bats
As with COVID-19, the source of the virus is bats. Humans can become infected either through contact with infected animals or through food contaminated with the urine or saliva of sick animals.
«The main source of infection is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family,» says Irina Shchepina. «Transmission of the virus from a sick animal to a human and even from human to human through close contact is possible: touching, feeding, or caring for a person infected with the virus.»
The disease manifests acutely: fever, headache, myalgia, cough, sore throat, impaired consciousness up to the development of encephalitis (brain damage). Pneumonia may develop, leading to respiratory failure. Sometimes the infection can be asymptomatic.
«No Specific Treatment»
Since September 2021, it has been possible to detect Nipah virus in Russia. The first diagnostic test system was developed by the Novosibirsk FBUN GNC VB «Vector». Testing is conducted using the PCR method with ultra-sensitive reagents.
«There is no specific treatment; therapy is aimed at maintaining the patient»s vital body functions. If symptoms appear, it is important to seek medical help and observe precautions, especially in endemic regions where the virus is spread,« says Irina Shchepina.
To avoid infection with Nipah virus, the medic gives several simple tips: limit contact with possible sources of infection and observe hygiene measures when caring for sick people and animals.
«Avoid travel to regions where cases have been recorded. Do not consume fruits and drinks that have been potentially in contact with bats. Use personal protective equipment when working with farm animals in affected areas,» advises the specialist.
But, as the medic believes, for the population of Russia, the risk of infection with Nipah virus is extremely low—all due to the country«s remoteness from the sources of the disease.
«The main foci are far from the territory of our country, predominantly in Southeast Asia. Thus, residents of our country should not worry, but knowledge of the main facts will allow them to remain vigilant and seek medical help in time for suspicious symptoms,» adds Irina Shchepina.
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