US, Jan. 24 -- As global tourism continues its post-pandemic recovery, renewed attention is being drawn to the Nipah virus (NiV)-a rare but deadly zoonotic disease periodically reported in parts of South and Southeast Asia. While public health authorities stress that the risk to travelers remains low, the virus once again highlights how health threats-real or perceived-can impact tourism confidence.

What Is the Nipah Virus? The Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through fruit bats, which are natural carriers. Infection can also occur through contaminated food, such as raw date palm sap, or via close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms range from fever and respiratory illness to acute encephalitis, with f...