The Nipah virus is a rare but highly dangerous zoonotic disease that has raised serious global health concerns, including in the United States. –

 Although most Nipah outbreaks have occurred in South and Southeast Asia, the U.S. remains on high alert due to international travel and global trade.

The virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, either directly or through contaminated food.

Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, making the virus especially dangerous in healthcare and community settings.

 Nipah virus causes severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis, with a mortality rate that can reach up to 75 percent.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies Nipah as a high-priority pathogen due to its pandemic potential.

In the United States, suspected Nipah cases would trigger immediate quarantine and federal emergency response measures. –

 Strict airport screening and disease surveillance systems help the U.S. monitor for imported infections.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus.

 Supportive hospital care is the primary treatment for infected patients.