Guwahati : Amid reports of Nipah virus cases from different parts of the country, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) chairperson Dr Rajni Kant on Saturday said the situation is not alarming at present but stressed the need for heightened precautions in affected States.

Speaking to The Assam Tribune, Dr Kant said Nipah infections have largely been reported from Kerala and West Bengal, adding that timely preventive measures could effectively curb the spread of the virus.

“The disease can be prevented from spreading if adequate precautions are taken,” he said, pointing to Kerala’s prompt isolation of infected patients as an effective containment measure. He advised all States to remain alert and ensure immediate isolation and contact tracing if any suspected case is detected.

Explaining the transmission pattern, Dr Kant said the Nipah virus is primarily carried by bats. Humans can become infected by consuming fruits partially eaten by bats, following which the virus can spread through human-to-human contact.

He said the infection typically causes respiratory tract symptoms, accompanied by high fever and body ache. “At present, there is no vaccine available to fight Nipah virus,” he added.

Dr Kant also addressed concerns related to Covid-19, stating that while the virus continues to circulate, its impact has significantly reduced due to widespread vaccination and repeated exposure among the population.

“People are still getting infected and may develop fever, but severe cases requiring intensive care are no longer being reported,” he said.

Responding to queries about a possible link between Covid-19 vaccination and an increase in heart attacks, particularly among young people, Dr Kant categorically ruled out vaccines as a cause.

“The ICMR has conducted detailed studies, and it is confirmed that Covid vaccines are safe and have nothing to do with heart attacks,” he said. However, he added that further research is needed to determine whether Covid infection itself has any long-term role in cardiac events.