Nipah Virus Infection (NiV): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention And Treatment

Hello readers! Emerging from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, the Nipah virus (NiV) casts a long shadow over public health. This zoonotic virus, carried by fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, spills over into human populations with devastating consequences. With a mortality rate that can reach 70%, NiV infection is a potent reminder of the delicate balance between humans and the animal kingdom and the ever-present threat of zoonotic diseases.

Since its first breakout in Malaysia in 1999, it affected around 300 people, resulting in more than 100 deaths. It can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic transmission) and human to human, and its long-term infection may lead to conditions like encephalitis (brain inflammation) or even death. 

In India, the Nipah Virus has shown its presence for the 6th time in Kerala in September 2023, since 2001. It is a serious concern thus, it is important to understand all the information about Nipah virus transmission to prevent the infection. Here, we will explore the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment for the Nipah virus infection. So, continue reading!

Key Highlights

• The Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia.

  
  

• Nipah virus can be transmitted from person to person or from animals (bats and pigs) to humans through close contact with them and from contaminated food & water.

  
  

• The natural host of the Nipah Virus is the “Fruit Bats” of the Pteropodidae family.

  
  

• As of now, there is no treatment available for Nipah virus infection, the only way to prevent it is by following safety and supportive measures.

  
  

• There have been six outbreaks of NiV in India since 2001, with the most recent one occurring in Kozhikode in September 2023.

Table of Contents 

1. What Is Nipah Virus Infection?

2. Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection

3. What Is The Effect Of Nipah Virus On Humans?

4. Transmission & Causes Of Nipah Virus Infection

5. Diagnosis Of Nipah Virus

6. Precautions For Nipah Virus Infection

7. Nipah Virus Infection Treatment

8. The Final Say

9. FAQs

10. References

What Is Nipah Virus Infection?

Nipah or NiV is a zoonotic virus that belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. It was first observed in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, resulting in nearly 300 human cases and more than 100 deaths. 

The Nipah virus (NiV) is transmitted by fruit bats, commonly known as flying foxes, and is related to the Hendra virus. Upon investigation, flying foxes were identified as the animal host reservoir for NiV. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available to treat NiV, and the only feasible treatment is to avoid exposure to sick animals, particularly bats and pigs, and to take proper self-care measures. 

Additionally, it is advisable to avoid consuming contaminated food products such as raw date palm sap or fruit, which can be another possible preventive measure for the infection.

Also Read: JN1 COVID Variant: Symptoms, Precautions, & Treatments

Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection

The infection with the Nipah virus (NiV) may take 4-14 days to show the proper symptoms. It generally ranges from asymptomatic to acute respiratory infection (mild, severe) and fatal encephalitis. The initial Nipah virus symptoms in humans are:

• Fever

• Headache

• Cough

• Myalgia (muscle pain)

• Sore throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting

• Atypical pneumonia

• Severe respiratory problems

Some individuals may get severe symptoms like 

• Disorientation, drowsiness, or confusion

• Seizures

• Coma

• Brain swelling or inflammation (encephalitis)

Also Read: Swine Influenza Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention And Treatment

What Is The Effect Of Nipah Virus On Humans?

The Nipah Virus is a highly lethal disease that poses a significant threat to human health, with the majority of cases resulting in death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Let’s understand its effects on the human population: 

Transmission & Causes Of Nipah Virus Infection

The Nipah virus infection can easily be transmitted in the following ways:

• It can easily spread by direct contact with infected animals like pigs and bats or contact with their fluids (such as blood, urine or saliva)

• It can also be transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food products (such as palm sap or fruit contaminated by an infected bat).

• It can be spread by contact with an individual infected with NiV or their body fluids (including nasal or respiratory droplets, urine, or blood).

Also Read: Seasonal Influenza: Symptoms, Causes, Precautions, Treatment And Home Remedies

Diagnosis Of Nipah Virus

The doctor, after reviewing the symptoms and the travel history, may diagnose the Nipah virus using the following methods:

1. RT-PCR

Real-time polymerase chain reaction is used during the early stages of infection when laboratory tests are conducted. It uses different samples, like 

• Cerebrospinal fluid,

• Urine Sample 

• Blood Sample

• Nasal Swabs

2. ELISA Test

Another good diagnosing option is using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which uses antibodies to confirm the infection.

If someone has symptoms of NiV infection and has been in areas where Nipah is common, like Bangladesh or India, they should get checked for NiV, especially if they have been exposed to it before.

Laboratory And Radiological Diagnosis Of Nipah Virus Disease

Also Read: 8 Tips To Prevent Flu Naturally And Age Considerations

Precautions For Nipah Virus Infection

As of 2024, there is no vaccine available for Nipah Virus therefore, to prevent the Nipah infection, you should be aware of the best possible methods. Some of them include the following:

1. Avoid Contact With Infected Ones

It is important to understand the emergence of the infection therefore, limit your contact with animals like pigs and bats and infected individuals. By avoiding contact, you can reduce the risk of transmission.

2. Follow Sanitisation Procedure

Nipah virus is a contagious infection therefore, it is essential to follow the sanitisation procedures like:

•  Wash your hands with soap and water.

•  Sanitising the surfaces using disinfectant regularly.

3. Avoiding Eating Contaminated Food

Eating fruits contaminated with the viruses is another major reason for the transmission of the virus. So, you must be vigilant about consuming palm sap or fruits which could be contaminated. Note if any bats are nesting nearby in the trees and avoid eating. If the food is brought from the market, make sure to wash and peel the fruits before eating them.

4. Avoid Contact With Random Fluids

Fluids like blood, saliva, urine, or nasal droplets of infected humans and animals like pigs and bats can easily spread NiV. So, try to avoid them to prevent infection.

You can also follow some more preventive measures:

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in pig farms.

• Wearing surgical masks

• Wearing eye protection or safety glasses 

  
  

Also Read: JN1 Covid Variants: List Of All Most Dangerous Till 2023

Nipah Virus Infection Treatment

Currently, there are no antiviral medications to treat the Nipah virus. The treatment includes managing the symptoms, such as drinking lots of water, getting rest, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen, using medications to control nausea or vomiting, using inhalers or nebulisers for breathing difficulties, and taking anti-seizure medications if needed. 

Some immunotherapeutic treatments are under development and evaluation, including monoclonal antibody therapy like m102.4. Remdesivir has been effective as post-exposure prophylaxis in nonhuman primates. Ribavirin was used in the past, but its efficacy in humans remains unclear.

The Final Say

Nipah virus Infection is contagious and can be spread from animals to humans or person to person through different fluids like nasal droplets, blood, urine or cerebrospinal fluid. Sharing or consuming contaminated foods and drinks like date palm sap may also result in the infection.

There is no vaccine for the treatment of NiV, and the long-term infection may lead to respiratory problems, seizure, coma, encephalitis and even death. So, stay updated about the outbreak, and improve your knowledge about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention of the Nipah virus infection. Let's stay informed, stay vigilant, and work together to keep the Nipah virus at bay. 

FAQs

1. How contagious is the Nipah virus?

The Nipah virus is very contagious and can easily transmit via bodily fluids like saliva, poop, pee and blood of the infected animal or individual. It can also spread by consuming contaminated food and water. So, if you care for the infected individual, use the proper sanitisation process to prevent the infection.

2. Is the Nipah virus airborne?

Yes, the NiV can easily be transmitted through respiratory droplets of the infected person or animal through the air when coughing or sneezing.

3. What are the risk factors for the Nipah virus?

To avoid getting infected with the Nipah virus, it's important to avoid interacting with bats, pigs, and infected humans, especially in areas with outbreaks. Additionally, consuming raw date palm sap or fruit should be avoided, as bats can leave their bodily fluids on them.

4. What are the side effects of the Nipah virus?

Some of the long-term complications of the Nipah virus include

• Convulsions

• Personality change

• Fever

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Myalgia

• Vomiting 

  
  

5. Can I prevent the Nipah virus?

Yes, by following the preventive measures, you can prevent the infection:

• Avoid contact with pigs, bats and infected individuals

• Avoiding contaminated food and drinks

• Following hand sanitisation and disinfecting the surfaces

• Wearing gloves and masks while working on farms or infected areas.

References

• Nipah virus 

• What is Nipah Virus? | Nipah Virus (NiV) | CDC 

• Nipah virus disease: A rare and intractable disease - PMC 

• Nipah Virus: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment 

• Nipah Virus Infection - India 

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