Understanding Nipah Virus: Outbreaks, Symptoms and Preventive Measures

Humans are infected with Nipah virus, a recently identified zoonotic virus transmitted from domestic and wild animals. The Nipah virus naturally inhabits fruit bats belonging to a pteropodid family. Although Nipah virus infection might be moderate or asymptomatic, it can also result in deadly encephalitis and acute respiratory illnesses. Depending on the particular Nipah virus strain, the severity of sickness, and the access to and quality of healthcare, the case fatality rate varies and is estimated to be between 40 to 75 per cent higher. As there are currently no approved therapies or vaccinations for this infection, many preventive methods are employed to prevent and manage the symptoms.  

Nipah virus  

The Nipah virus is known as a zoonotic virus. It primarily spreads via fruit bats. However, it can also spread through pigs, goats, dogs, horses and cats. The Nipah virus was first found in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999. This virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an individual coughs or sneezes.  

The virus can spread when: 

• Contact between animals and humans through blood, stool or saliva of an infected animals 
• Eating food that has been contaminated by an infected animal 
• Contact of a person with another infected person 

Symptoms of Nipah virus infection 

The symptoms of Nipah viral infection include:  

• Fever 
• Headache 
• Cold, cough and sore throat 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Muscle pain 
• Fatigue  
• Shortness of breath  
• Confusion and disorientation 
• Slurring speech 
• Coma 
• Respiratory distress  

Causes of Nipah viral infection 

People who came in contact with infected pigs started to become seriously ill, which was the first instance of the virus. Aster virus was transferred to pigs from many research, and it came to light that bats were the initial cause of the Nipah virus. Animals are infected if an infected bat or pig transfers its body fluids into them. When humans come in contact with the animal’s body fluids, they are infected. This could be from saliva, blood, diarrhoea or urine. After being infected with the virus, an individual can transmit it to others by contaminating their body fluids.  

Risk factors of Nipah viral infection 

• Interaction with bats, pigs, and humans who are known to be infected is the primary risk factor for the transmission of the virus, particularly in regions where outbreaks of the Nipah virus occur.  
• People who have pets like dogs, cats, pigs and sheep are at a higher risk of getting infected, as their pets might have been infected by the virus.  

Diagnosis of Nipah viral infection 

Through the examinations of the symptoms and interaction about the recent travel to regions where the virus is prevalent, a medical professional can diagnose Nipah viral infection. The body fluids that are used for these tests involve: 

• Nasal or throat swabs 
• Cerebrospinal fluid 
• Urine samples 
• Blood samples  

Treatments for Nipah viral infection 

As mentioned earlier, there is no permanent cure or treatment for this infection. There are treatments that are given to manage and prevent the symptoms. Some of the preventive methods to manage the symptoms of this viral infection include: 

• Inhalers and nebulizers to manage breathing difficulties 
• Antiseizure medications 
• NSAIDs and pain relievers to manage headache, muscle pain and joint pain 
• Drinking warm water 
• Getting plenty of rest  
• Monoclonal antibody treatment  

Preventive methods for the infection 

Some of the methods that help avoid getting infected by the Nipah virus include: 

• Wash your hands frequently 
• Avoid contact with sick animals 
• Avoid climbing trees where bats are known to live 
• Avoid eating contaminated foods 
• Maintain hygiene in your area 

Conclusion 

To sum up, the greatest prevention against the Nipah virus is to avoid contact with sick animals, especially pigs and bats, as they are the primary cause or transmitter of the Nipah virus. Nipah virus infection can cause mild to severe symptoms, which can sometimes even be fatal. Neither medicine nor vaccines are there to treat the infection. Symptom management is the only way to treat the infection.