Nipah Virus

Nipah Virus (NiV) Infection

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging  viral zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, genus Henipavirus.

NiV was first identified during an outbreak of disease that took place in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia in 1998. On this occasion, pigs were the intermediate hosts. However, in subsequent NiV outbreaks, there were no intermediate hosts. In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, including in a hospital setting in India.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS :

Nipah virus can cause an inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis. Symptoms can include acute respiratory syndrome, fever and headache, followed by drowsiness, disorientation and confusion. People who are infected with the virus may fall into a coma within 48 hours of showing symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS :

Laboratory diagnosis of Nipah virus infection is made using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and blood analysis during acute and convalescent stages of the disease.

TREATMENT :

There is no vaccine for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for humans is intensive supportive care.

PREVENTION :

The infection can be prevented by avoiding exposure to bats in endemic areas and sick pigs.