Nipah virus - A wake up call

The deadly Nipah virus is one of the major health concern in the last two decades, mainly because of the high fatality rate of 40-75% (as per WHO estimates), since it was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia.

Since then periodical outbreaks were reported in Bangladesh and parts of India and some other countries in South East Asia.

Nipah virus is a Zoonotic virus that is transmitted mainly from animals (especially pig, bat) to humans. Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae are the natural hosts for the virus and there is no apparent infection documented so far in bats, but the disease outbreak in domestic animals such as pigs, goat, sheep, cats and dogs were reported during first outbreak in Malaysia in 1999. Disease in pigs is highly contagious.

Clinical presentation is highly variable and it ranges from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis. The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) is believed to range from 4 to 14 days. Diagnostic tests available are real time PCR of bodily fluids, antibody detection by ELISA method.

There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific for Nipah infection. Intensive supportive care is recommended to treat severe respiratory and neurological complications.

Transmission to human usually happen through either of the following routes: animal to human; contaminated food to human, and human to human

During outbreaks, the public should avoid fruits with signs of bat bite, wash fruits thoroughly and keep bats away from fruit collection sites. Surroundings should be regularly cleaned and  disinfected using appropriate agents.

While handling sick animals gloves and other protective clothing should be used.

While dealing with infected patients, avoid unprotected contacts. Carry out regular hand wash while taking care of patients.