Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 and has since re-emerged in South and Southeast Asia.[2] The virus spreads through natural hosts—fruit flies of the Pteropodidae family—and is transmitted to humans, with outbreaks occurring periodically.[3][8] The main reason for concern is the high mortality rate, which ranges between 40 and 75 percent.[1][2][8] There is currently no effective drug or vaccine against the Nipah virus.[1][4][6] Outbreaks have been reported from Bangladesh (every year since 2001), India (since 2001), Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.[7] The danger of the virus lies in its persistence—it is periodic, fatal, and preventable through early detection and appropriate care.[4] According to the article, South Asia still underestimates this threat despite its severity and regular occurrences in the region.