Viruses that pass from animals to humans have long worried scientists, and few are more dangerous than henipaviruses.
Carried mainly by fruit bats, they can cause deadly illness in people, with symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties to brain infections. Two of the best-known – Nipah and Hendra – have caused outbreaks with very high death rates.
Bangladesh
This year, Bangladesh has reported four Nipah-related deaths across three districts. Unusually, none of the cases were connected, suggesting separate jumps from animals to humans.
One case also occurred outside the usual “date palm sap” season, raising new questions about how the virus spreads. With fatality rates above 70%, even a handful of cases is cause for concern.
Becoming a global issue
At the same time, scientists are uncovering new viruses in this family. Salt Gully virus was recently found in bats in Australia, while Camp Hill virus was identified in shrews in the United States – the first henipavirus discovered in North America.
Neither has yet caused illness in humans, but both highlight how little is known about the group.
A lack of vaccines and treatments
There is still no licensed vaccine or treatment. Care is limited to managing symptoms, though early-stage vaccine trials are underway.
Nipah has shown it can pass between people, usually in family or healthcare settings, though it has not sparked large outbreaks.
Risk remains low
The World Health Organization currently judges the global risk to be low, but moderate in South Asia, where fruit bats are common. For the UK, the risk is seen as distant, but not irrelevant. With global travel, new diseases can arrive quickly, so health agencies maintain monitoring and research programmes to stay prepared.
A need for vigilance
Henipaviruses are a reminder that global vigilance, stronger surveillance, and investment in science are essential to prevent the next pandemic.
