National Institute of Virology unveils portable Nipah virus test kit
NIV Pune just rolled out a portable test kit for the Nipah virus that can deliver results within minutes—no fancy lab gear needed.
The plan is to use it in high-risk states like Kerala and West Bengal, where Nipah outbreaks have popped up before.
About the Nipah virus
Nipah is a deadly virus mainly spread by fruit bats. It can cause anything from fever and headaches to serious brain infections, with more than half of cases proving fatal.
This new test zeroes in on the Genotype B strain found in India and Bangladesh.
What else is being done?
NIV isn't just making test kits—they're also the only lab in India growing the Nipah virus for research.
They're working on treatments and an Indian-made vaccine that's almost ready for trials.
Special labs and extra surveillance are already helping Kerala and West Bengal catch outbreaks early.