The World Health Organization said on Friday it was playing down the risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading beyond India and does not recommend imposing travel or trade restrictions after the South Asian country reported two cases.

The WHO said the virus, carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs, can cause fever and encephalitis, with fatality rates ranging between 40% and 75%.

Although the virus is infectious, human-to-human transmission is not easy and typically requires prolonged close contact with an infected person, the agency said.

Nipah virus is usually transmitted to humans from infected bats or through contaminated fruit, the WHO added, noting that Indian health authorities are monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures.