New research on Nipah virus
Several of the Global Virus Network’s (GVN) centres of excellence are researching Nipah virus (NiV) and contributing expertise to the outbreak in the Indian state of Kerala. The latest outbreak began in early May of this year and there is an expected death rate of 80 per cent.
“GVN members are providing scientific, clinical and epidemiological expertise in addition to reagents to laboratories in the field,” said Professor Christian Bréchot, President of the GVN. “Indian government agencies responding to the NiV outbreak have done a fantastic job implementing quarantine procedures and other effective forms of infection control.”
Dr Robert C. Gallo, who is Co-Founder and Scientific Director of the GVN, said that there is an urgent need to advance the science in the study of the virus. “Currently, there is no human or animal treatment or vaccine,” he said. “GVN members look forward to working with organisations like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to quickly advance effective therapeutics and vaccine candidates.”