The Nipah virus pictured in red – credit, US NIH
Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network
Highly Fatal Virus May Finally Be Treatable with First Vaccine–Clinical Trials Starting
In January, India recorded a mini-outbreak of the Nipah virus, an often lethal disease spread by contact between humans and animals.
There was little that could be done for the victims, as no specialized treatment for Nipah virus exists other than normal supportive care procedures such as the treatment of the resulting symptoms, rest, and hydration.
Some well-studied antiviral medications like ribavirin, remdesivir, acyclovir, favipiravir, have seen use on a speculative basis during certain outbreaks, but real efficacy is unclear.
Now though, the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology has developed a potential Nipah virus vaccine by inserting some of the virus’ genetic material into the modified measles vaccine. Early trials in hamsters have shown it to be safe and effective.
Nipah virus fatality rates are 40% to 75%. It’s typically spread by contact between humans and bats, often through people consuming tree fruit contaminated with bat saliva. Once thusly contracted, it can spread quickly through humans via any form of fluid exchange.
The virus is present in the tropics and often in rural areas where access to medical care may be limited.
Tokyo University’s vaccine candidate is now on its way to Belgium for a Phase 1 testing in humans, where with the help of a nonprofit called the European Vaccine Initiative, it will be examined for safety across 60 test candidates.
The trials are set to begin in April.
The good news in this story is that this emerging virus of which little is known has a high priority in finding a preventative. Today’s JohnKu talks about being proactive. I hope you have a super weekend.
Prevention by John W. Howell © 2026
A deadly virus,
Needs to be brought to its knees . . .
Science is wonderful.
Fiction Favorites 
Sounds hopeful!
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It does. This is the first I’ve heard of the virus.
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This is exciting news! Looking forward to the positive updates!!
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Thanks, Annette.
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Hi John,
Love to your cheeky little pooches!
There’s always something hovering to upset our ‘apple cart!’ Do hope a reliable antidote can be found asap.
Keep well and your little rascals in order!
Cheers.
Joy Lennick
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Thank you, Joy. I agree on the “something hovering.” I share your hope.
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I’ve long thought that science will solve alll our major issues, maybe a bit naively, but here’s a great example.
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It’s good that they’re working on such a deadly virus. I sure hope there are good results.
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That’s good news. Hope it works and people take it.
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There always seems to be a new virus come out to attack. Thankfully scientists are on full alert and work hard. Wonderful that this may be under control soon.
Happy Friday to you, John!
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Clever scientists to think of inserting the genetic material into the measles vaccine, which is so effective! Great news. I predict an explosion in medical treatments with AI. Is this virus found in the US?
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Fascinating – and it sounds promising. Thanks for the good news story, John.
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Fingers crossed the vaccine works and is safe!
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This is great news, John. Thank you for sharing it with us. As your clever Johnku pointed out, human ingenuity, used for the greater good, can save us all.
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