Belgium to begin first human trials of Japanese Nipah virus vaccine

Belgium will begin the first clinical trials of a vaccine against the Nipah virus, developed by scientists at the University of Tokyo, according to Nikkei.

Preliminary tests on primates showed complete protection. Next year, researchers plan to expand the trials to include adults and children in Bangladesh.

The Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans from animals, such as bats and pigs. It primarily attacks the respiratory system and can cause encephalitis. Without timely treatment, the disease is fatal in around 75% of cases. Symptoms typically appear four to seven days after infection, affecting both the respiratory and central nervous systems and often resulting in severe brain inflammation.

In January, Nipah virus cases were reported near Kolkata, India. So far, five people have been infected, and around 100 others are in quarantine. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines for the disease.

By Vugar Khalilov