Some patients suffer from severe respiratory problems. In severe cases, seizures occur, which can lead to a coma within days. The World Health Organization says that infected individuals may not show symptoms, but the disease is often extremely dangerous. However, what is the Nipah virus and how concerned should people be?
What is the Nipah virus? The Nipah virus is a rare viral infection that primarily spreads from infected animals, especially fruit bats, to humans. Two fatal Nipah virus cases in India have prompted authorities in Thailand and Malaysia to tighten screening measures at airports to prevent the spread of infection. Since then, transmission has become more common through contact with the virus's natural host, which scientists identify as fruit bats. The WHO indicates that consuming fruit or its products, such as raw date palm sap contaminated with the urine or saliva of infected bats, is the most likely source of infection. This can lead to the culling of farm animals like pigs that are susceptible to the virus. Scientists note that it is unlikely the virus will spread globally, and they say airport screening may not be effective due to the virus's long incubation period.
What vaccines or treatments are available? Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Nipah virus, although several experimental vaccines are in development, including one developed by scientists at Oxford University who also helped create a COVID-19 vaccine. The Nipah vaccine uses the same technology, and the second phase of trials began in Bangladesh in December, in collaboration with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh and funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Human-to-human transmission has been recorded, often after close contact with a patient's family members or caregivers.
What are the symptoms? The initial symptoms of Nipah virus, such as fever, headache, and muscle pain, are not specific and can be confused with other illnesses. Most people who recover fully regain their health, but some experience long-term neurological problems.
How concerned should we be? Scientists note that while Nipah is a serious disease with a high fatality rate, there are as yet no signs that it has become more transmissible between humans or easily spreading worldwide. However, the WHO has stated that the virus poses a significant public health concern, particularly in countries where outbreaks are common. Since then, small outbreaks have occurred almost yearly, mostly in Bangladesh. These can be followed by neurological symptoms like acute encephalitis. India has also seen sporadic outbreaks. According to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a group that tracks emerging disease threats and funds the development of medical tools to prevent them, 750 cases have been recorded as of December, with 415 deaths.
How does it spread? When first discovered in Malaysia, the Nipah virus mainly spread through direct contact with sick pigs or contaminated tissues. The fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, depending on the local healthcare system's ability to detect and manage the disease. Experts at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control noted that while human-to-human transmission is possible, it does not occur easily, and outbreaks are often small and contained. Work is underway to develop some experimental vaccines, but none have been approved yet.
How widespread is it? The Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999.
