Nipah virus
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans)that causes severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis (brain swelling). It is primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts like pigs.
- Nipah virus was first recognized in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in malaysia.
- It was recognized in Bangladesh in 2001, and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since
Historical Hotspots in India
- Nipah outbreaks in India are primarily concentrated in two regions:
Context to Nepal
As of January 2026,
remains at high risk for a Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak due to its geographic proximity to active infection zones in India and the presence of natural reservoirs.Transmission
- Animal-to-Human (Zoonotic Spillover): The natural reservoirs of NiV are fruit bats . Transmission occurs through direct contact with bat urine and saliva or via intermediate hosts, most commonly pigs.
- Contaminated Food: contaminated food with the saliva or urine of infected bats is a leading cause of outbreaks in Bangladesh and India.
- Human-to-Human: The virus spreads through close, unprotected contact with the bodily fluids (respiratory droplets, blood, urine, or saliva) of an infected person. This is common among family caregivers and in healthcare settings (nosocomial transmission).
Symptoms
Initial Flu-Like Symptoms
The infection often starts with non-specific, flu-like symptoms that can last for 3 to 14 days:
- High fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain (myalgia) and extreme weakness
- Sore throat and cough
- Vomiting and nausea
Respiratory Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Atypical pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Severe Neurological Symptoms (Encephalitis)
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Altered consciousness
- Seizures and convulsions
No Cure: There are currently no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for Nipah virus.
- Respiratory Support: Supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation for patients with severe respiratory distress or pneumonia.
- Neurological Management: Anticonvulsant medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, phenytoin) to control seizures associated with encephalitis.
- Fluid & Electrolyte Balance: Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain essential organ function.
- Symptom Relief: Use of medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain, and anti-nausea drugs for vomiting.
- Infection Control and PreventionBecause the virus can spread through human-to-human contact, strict hospital protocols are essential:
- Isolation: Patients must be placed in isolation, often in airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIR).
- PPE: Healthcare workers must use full personal protective equipment, including N95 masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection.
- Public Health: Prevention remains the most effective defense, including avoiding raw date palm sap, thoroughly washing and peeling fruits, and avoiding contact with infected animals like bats and pigs.
- Government Response In Nepal (January 2026)The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has activated several preventive measures:
- Border Surveillance: Health screenings and monitoring have been intensified at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and major land border points, particularly in the Koshi Province.
- Hospital Readiness: Designated hospitals have been placed on standby for treatment, and all medical facilities are required to report suspected cases or deaths linked to NiV.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns emphasize avoiding contact with bats, pigs, and eating fruits that may have been bitten by bats.
- SOURCE
- 1. Epidemiology and Disease Control Division,(MoHP, NEPAL
- 2.WHO report, Nipah virus infection in India
- 3..WHO report, Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh
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