Nipah Virus

Nipah virus (NiV) is one of the most life-threatening zoonotic viruses that affects humans. Scientists first discovered it during a 1998 Malaysian outbreak. The virus remains a threat to communities throughout Asia. The virus jumps from animals to humans and spreads through contaminated food or close contact between people. The threat persists today. According to recent updates, active Nipah virus cases have been reported in West Bengal.

Let us explain what you should know about Nipah virus, including its nature and transmission to symptoms and treatment options. You will also learn essential prevention methods to keep yourself and your family safe from this infection.

What is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and Henipavirus genus and poses a threat to public health. Fruit bats, or flying foxes of the Pteropus genus, carry this bat-borne pathogen. These bats make their home in coastal areas near the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. The virus first infects pigs and other domestic animals before making its way to humans.

Symptoms of Nipah Virus

People infected with the virus first show common illness symptoms:

Fever and headache
Muscle pain and ache
Weakness
Vomiting
Sore throat
Cough and breathing problems.

The infection causes severe brain inflammation with fever, vomiting and extreme tiredness. As it progresses, patients develop breathing difficulties and brain swelling. They may have seizures that can lead to coma within 24-48 hours. Some patients' breathing becomes severely compromised, and they develop pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.

How Long Does It Take for Signs to Show?

Symptoms usually appear 4 to 14 days after someone gets exposed to the virus. Some rare cases might take up to 45 days. Health officials find it hard to track outbreaks because of this long timeframe.

Why is Nipah a High-risk Virus?

Several factors make this virus extremely dangerous. It can be fatal for most of the infected people, depending on the outbreak. About 20% of those who survive face permanent neurological issues like seizure disorders and personality changes. The virus can spread from one person to another, especially among family members and doctors looking after sick patients.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine available yet, and that's why the WHO lists Nipah as a priority pathogen that could cause pandemics.

How does Nipah spread?

This pathogen transmits from bats to humans in several ways. People get infected by eating contaminated fruit or drinking date palm sap that infected bats have touched. Coming into direct contact with infected animals, especially pigs, creates another risk. The virus can spread between people through close contact with an infected person's bodily fluids.

Diagnosis of Nipah Virus

Doctors use several lab tests to identify this infection.
RT-PCR tests detect viral RNA in bodily fluids
Blood tests show antibodies that fight the virus
Serological tests detect IgM and IgG antibodies
Brain scans reveal specific patterns of inflammation.

Treatments for Nipah Virus

Scientists and the medical fraternity are still trying to find the best possible cure for this virus. Doctors give supportive care and symptomatic treatment in order to manage symptoms. This care includes:

Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance
Providing breathing assistance (oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation)
Reducing fever
Controlling seizures and more.

Prevention

The best way to stay safe is to avoid exposure to this virus. You can protect yourself by adopting some habits. These are

Washing fruits well before eating and avoiding fruits that are partially eaten
Wash your hands before preparing food, after touching infected surfaces and before eating food
Avoiding unpasteurised date palm sap
Staying away from bat habitats
Using protective equipment (like masks and gloves) when caring for infected patients
If you are going to crowded places, always wear a protective mask.

Conclusion

Nipah virus can be life-threatening, and person-to-person transmission makes it especially dangerous. Doctors face a tough challenge with this pathogen because it has a long incubation period and lacks specific treatments. The risks are particularly high for doctors who care for patients, as initial symptoms look like common illnesses before they turn into severe neurological issues.

Our best defense against this deadly virus lies in prevention. Lives can be saved through basic steps like washing fruits well, avoiding raw date palm sap, and keeping away from bat habitats. Family members need extra care at the time they look after sick relatives since most infections occur during this period.

Scientists keep working on potential vaccines and treatments. Supportive care gives patients their best chance to survive. We can minimise future outbreaks' effects and protect ourselves by understanding & using effective prevention strategies.

FAQs

1. What are the early symptoms of Nipah virus infection?

The initial symptoms show up 4-14 days after exposure. Common symptoms are:

Fever and headache
Muscle pain and weakness
Vomiting and sore throat
Coughing and breathing difficulties.

2. Will Nipah spread through the air?

Nipah doesn't spread through air like COVID-19. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets when people are in close contact, especially in indoor spaces.

3. What is the source of the Nipah virus?

Fruit bats (flying foxes) act as the natural hosts for this infection. These bats carry the virus without getting sick.

4. Which fruit causes the Nipah virus?

No single fruit causes the virus. The infection spreads through fruits contaminated by infected bats' saliva or urine. Raw date palm sap poses much risk.