Nipah virus (NiV) is a type of zoonotic virus that can be transmitted to humans directly via animals, contaminated foods, or other people. Once the infection starts, it can lead to an acute respiratory illness or fatal brain swelling. In the May 2018 Nipah virus outbreak, 700 people were infected, leading to a mortality rate of 50-75% (NiV). The recently reported casualty due to the Nipah virus is the death of a 14-year-old boy in Kerala, India, on 21 July, 2024.
Although there have been only a few outbreaks in Asia, it is still a public health concern. Scroll down to learn more about Nipah virus symptoms and treatment.
How is the Nipah Virus Transmitted?
The first Nipah outbreak was reported in 1998-1999 in Malaysia and was spread after unprotected contact. The main causes of Nipah virus infection in Malaysia were contact with sick pigs or the consumption of other sick animals. Later, Bangladesh and India were also affected as a result of the consumption of fruits or fruit products contaminated with saliva or urine from the infected bats. In this case, Nipah disease was escalated by human-to-human contact.
| Did You Know?
The Pteropodidae, or fruit bats, are known to be the natural host of Nipah virus. |
Other than pigs, the Nipah virus from fruit bats can infect a hoard of domestic animals, such as horses, sheep, goats, cats, and dogs, as reported in the 1999 Malaysian outbreak of Nipah.
Infected animals may either exhibit no symptoms or develop fever, laboured breathing, trembling, and muscle spasms. The major sign of Nipah-infected pigs is an unusual type of barking cough.
Nipah Symptoms to Look For
The incubation period of the infection can range from 4 to 14 days, which means that it can take many days to develop symptoms. However, in some cases, it can take as long as 45 days.
The symptoms of the Nipah virus may be too obvious or go unnoticed in some cases. If you suspect an infection, look for these signs:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Myalgia or muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Acute encephalitis.
In some cases, atypical pneumonia may also be reported, followed by severe respiratory problems. In extreme cases, seizures or coma may also occur in the span of 24 to 48 hours of infection.
People who survive acute encephalitis have been shown to make a full recovery, but they may have some neurological problems, such as seizure disorder and personality changes. A few people who recover eventually develop delayed onset brain swelling.
Diagnosis of Nipah Virus
Due to the lack of observable signs or symptoms, the diagnosis of the Nipah virus is often delayed. This can further escalate the problems and hinder the timely detection of outbreaks and their respective control measures.
However, when needed, the main diagnostic tests for this virus include:
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids
- Antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay
- Virus isolation by cell culture.
Treatment of Nipah Virus Infection
At present, no drugs or vaccines can be used to specifically cure Nipah virus infection; however, research and studies are underway to find one. There are some treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and reduce health complications.
Nipah virus treatment mainly involves supportive care and the management of acute encephalitis syndrome. The antiviral drugs that are used to combat the this virus to some extent are:
- Ribavirin
- Favipiravir
- Monoclonal antibody m102.4.
Prevention Tips
Since Nipah infection can prove to be so fatal and there is no vaccine or cure for it, it is important to focus on its prevention. The following things need to be considered:
- Learning from the 1999 incident of Nipah involving pig farms, it is important to do routine and thorough cleaning of pig farms and disinfect the area with appropriate detergents.
- Keep the pig feeds clean and free from bat droppings by ensuring that no bats enter the pig farm, well-ventilated yet securely enclosed to prevent bats from nesting.
- If the infection is detected, the animals should be quarantined. If the animals need to be culled, it is important to properly bury and incinerate the carcasses to prevent transmission.
- Avoid consuming fruits with cuts, and avoid guavas and dates, which are dear to fruit bats.
- Wash the fruits thoroughly before consumption.
- Wash your hands after touching domestic animals during the outbreak.
To Sum Up
The Nipah virus is spread mainly through bat droppings, bat-bitten fruits, or contact with a Nipah-infected animal or human. It is a serious infection that can have a mortality rate of around 50% to 75%. There is currently no cure for it, but one can practice prevention measures to stop the cycle of infection. It is advised to avoid consuming bitten and tainted fruits, keep animal farms clean and free from bat droppings, and maintain the hygiene of the area. In cases of suspecting any symptoms, immediately consult with a doctor nearby.
