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The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals to people affecting individual’s health. Human-to-human transmission can occur through contaminated food or direct contact with an infected individual. In some situations, the virus can cause mild to severe disease and even death. It was found in 1999 after an outbreak in pigs and humans.
It is mostly transmitted by fruit bats (also known as flying foxes), although it can also be transmitted by pigs and other animals such as goats, horses, dogs, or cats. The virus shows transmission when:
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People or animals have come into contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids (blood, excrement, pee, or saliva).
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People consume meals polluted by diseased animals.
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People come into contact with a person who has the Nipah virus regularly, frequently when caring for them.
Where did the Nipah Virus Originate?
Nipah virus outbreaks occur nearly every year in Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India. The virus was found in 1999 after 100 people died in Malaysia and Singapore. The virus killed about 1 million pigs, causing significant economic damage to the countries. There have been approximately 20 further outbreaks since 1999. Following the virus's fourth outbreak since 2018, more than 130 people have been tested for it. The 2018 epidemic claimed the lives of at least 21 people.
When visiting nations prone to epidemics, such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, or India, one should take extra measures. Other countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand, may be vulnerable to the virus due to the presence of the bat species that carries the virus.
Nipah virus Symptoms
The Nipah virus symptoms are categorised under three major categories:
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Asymptomatic infections
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Acute respiratory infection
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Fatal encephalitis.
Initial symptoms of the Nipah virus may include:
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Fever
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Headache
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Breathing difficulties
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Cough and sore throat
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Diarrhoea
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Vomiting
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Muscle pain and severe weakness.
Symptoms usually appear 4-14 days after being exposed to the virus. It is normal to experience a fever or headache first, followed by respiratory difficulties such as coughing and difficulty breathing. In severe situations, a person can acquire a life-threatening brain infection (encephalitis).
Other severe symptoms include:
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Perplexity and disorientation
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Speech that is slurred
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Seizures
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Coma
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Distressed breathing.
Researchers are still not clear why some people get severe symptoms while others experience moderate symptoms. Some people infected with the virus show no symptoms at all. However, you can consult with a general physician in Vijayawada to get yourself checked.
Risk Factors Causing the Nipah Virus
The Nipah virus initially spread from bats to pigs, with humans becoming infected when in contact with infected pigs. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as urine, faeces, blood, or saliva, from infected animals to other animals or humans. Once a person is infected, they can further transmit the virus through their bodily fluids. Contamination of food products by fluids from infected animals, including fruit and raw date palm sap, can also lead to transmission. Additionally, individuals who frequently interact with areas where bats roost, such as tree climbers, have been at risk of Nipah virus infection.
Diagnosis for Nipah Virus
Nipah virus can be diagnosed by healthcare providers through a combination of symptom assessment and consideration of recent travel to areas where the virus is prevalent. In the early stages of infection, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test can be conducted using various bodily fluids such as nasal or throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine samples, and blood samples to confirm the presence of the virus. In later stages or after recovery, healthcare providers may use an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect specific antibodies in the blood, allowing for the diagnosis of the infection.
Treatment Options for Nipah Virus
Antiviral drugs are not available for treating the virus, necessitating a symptom-focused approach to treatment at the top general medicine hospital in Vijayawada. This typically involves:
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Maintaining proper hydration
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Getting adequate rest
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Using pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
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Utilising medications to reduce nausea or vomiting
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Employing inhalers or nebulizers to address breathing issues
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Administering antiseizure medications, if a seizure occurs.
Researchers are actively investigating the potential use of monoclonal antibody treatment for the Nipah virus as a subject of ongoing study.
Prevention from the outbreak of the Nipah Virus
In the event of an outbreak, individuals need to adhere to the following preventive measures:
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Refrain from contact with ailing pigs and bats.
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Maintaining regular hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.
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Take caution regarding the consumption of potentially contaminated foods and beverages.
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Avoiding direct interaction with individuals known to be infected.
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Strictly avoiding any contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
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