Two instances of the Nipah virus, a deadly infection, in India have led authorities in Thailand and Malaysia to enhance airport screening to prevent the disease from spreading. So, what exactly is the Nipah virus, and how concerned should people be? Here are some insights.
The Health Ministry of India confirmed on Tuesday that two cases of Nipah had been identified since December. All known contacts have been isolated and tested. While specific patient details were not disclosed, the ministry revealed that out of 196 contacts traced, all tested negative.
According to the World Health Organization, Nipah is a rare viral infection primarily transmitted from infected animals, especially fruit bats, to humans. Although it can be asymptomatic, it is often severe, with a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent, depending on the local healthcare system’s capabilities for detection and management. While human-to-human transmission is possible, outbreaks are typically limited and contained.
Initially discovered in Malaysia in 1999, Nipah has caused sporadic outbreaks in Bangladesh and India since then. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations reported a total of 750 cases and 415 fatalities as of December.
The virus was initially transmitted through contact with sick pigs or contaminated tissues in Malaysia but now mainly spreads through contact with fruit bats. Consumption of fruits or products contaminated with urine or saliva from infected bats is a common source of infection. Human-to-human transmission usually occurs through close contact with an infected individual.
Symptoms of Nipah, such as fever, headaches, and muscle pain, are non-specific and may be mistaken for other illnesses. In severe cases, neurological signs indicating brain inflammation and respiratory issues may develop, often leading to seizures and coma. While most patients recover fully, some may experience long-term neurological complications.
Despite its high fatality rate, Nipah has not shown significant signs of becoming more transmissible among humans or spreading globally. However, it remains a significant public health concern, especially in countries with frequent outbreaks, potentially leading to the culling of susceptible farm animals.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for Nipah. Various candidates, including one developed by Oxford University scientists, are undergoing testing. The Oxford Nipah vaccine, utilizing similar technology as COVID-19 vaccines, commenced Phase 2 trials in Bangladesh in collaboration with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research and is supported by the Coalition for Emergency Preparedness Innovations.