Nipah Virus Is Deadly — But Smart Policy Changes Can Help Quell Pandemic Risk

Nipah, a deadly RNA virus that can spill over from bats to humans, has infected six people and killed two in the Indian state of Kerala since August. The virus can cause encephalitis — inflammation of the brain — which manifests as fever, headaches, vomiting and respiratory distress. It has a fatality rate of 40–75%, depending on the strain.