NIPAH VIRUS (NiV)

Nipah Virus Infection is a rare but highly dangerous viral disease that spreads from animals to humans and can also spread between humans.

1. Discovery

• First identified in 1998–99 in Sungai Nipah.

• Named after the village "Nipah".

2. Causative Agent

• Caused by the Nipah virus (NiV).

• Belongs to the Henipavirus genus.

3. Natural Host

Fruit Bat (Flying Fox) is the natural reservoir.

The bats usually do not become sick but carry the virus.

4. How Does It Spread?

Animal to Human

• Contact with infected bats

• Eating fruits partially eaten by bats

• Drinking raw date palm sap contaminated by bats

Animal to Human via Pigs

• Infected pigs can transmit the virus to humans

Human to Human

• Close contact with infected persons

• Body fluids such as saliva and respiratory secretions

• Hospital transmission due to poor infection control

5. Symptoms

Early Symptoms

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Sore throat

• Vomiting

Severe Symptoms

• Dizziness

• Difficulty breathing

• Brain inflammation (Encephalitis)

• Seizures

• Coma

6. Incubation Period

• Usually 4–14 days

• Sometimes up to 45 days

7. Why Is Nipah Dangerous?

• Mortality rate: 40%–75%

• No specific antiviral treatment

• No approved vaccine for widespread public use

8. Diagnosis

Doctors use:

• RT-PCR test

• Blood tests

• Throat and nasal swabs

9. Treatment

Currently:

• No specific cure

• Supportive treatment only

• Oxygen support

• Fluid management

• Intensive care for severe cases

10. Prevention

Personal Protection

✔ Wash fruits before eating
✔ Avoid fruits bitten by bats
✔ Avoid raw date palm sap
✔ Maintain hand hygiene

During Outbreaks

✔ Avoid close contact with infected persons
✔ Wear masks and protective equipment
✔ Isolate infected patients

11. Nipah in India

Major outbreaks occurred in:

• West Bengal (2001, 2007)

• Kerala (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023)

Kerala has experienced the highest number of recent outbreaks in India.