Last Updated: Scientists Raise Alarm About Nipah Virus, Say 'it Could Cause Next Pandemic' British scientists have said that the Nipah virus, which has a mortality rate between 45% to 75%, could be the next disease to cause a pandemic. Scientists have issued a warning against the deadly Nipah virus, which they say could absolutely cause the next pandemic. According to UK daily Express, British scientists have said that the Nipah virus, which has a mortality rate between 45% to 75%, could be the next disease to cause a pandemic. This comes as the world is still battling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 2 million people across the globe to date.