On Jan. 29, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported two confirmed cases of Nipah virus in India.
Nipah virus originates from animals but can also be transmitted to humans. It was first identified in an outbreak from pigs to farmers in Malaysia in 1998. There have been reported outbreaks almost every year in Asian countries since then. For the outbreaks including pig-to-human infection, spread was prevented by thorough cleaning and disinfecting of infected animals.
Since Nipah virus mainly infects animals, mostly fruit bats and pigs, it transmits to humans by direct contact with said animals or food that the animals have been in contact with. Once carried by a human, it is then easier for it to be transmitted to other humans, where it has an average 3-14 day incubation period.
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, coughing and drowsiness amongst others. Most individuals show symptoms, while few can be asymptomatic. The virus is not as infectious as other viruses, but it has the potential to be deadlier than most. The only form of definitive diagnosis for Nipah is laboratory testing, including viral DNA and antibody testing, since it causes symptoms similar to that of other viruses.
Prolonged cases can cause organ damage and altered nervous system function, which could persist for years after infection. Neurological symptoms are used as indicators for more severe infections, which could require more intuitive treatment.
Prevention of the virus can be acquired by limiting contact with the animals that typically carry it and avoiding fruits that may be contaminated by those animals. Avoiding contact with infected individuals is also highly advised. There are no treatments that can affect the virus directly, but there are some for treating the symptoms it causes or prioritizing other health conditions that could be worsened by infection.
Healthcare providers are advised to limit contact between infected and non-infected patients to limit spread in a healthcare setting. Those who have received healthcare should limit contact with others.
WHO has this virus under watch for potential epidemics because there is currently no vaccine for Nipah virus. Despite this, transmission from human to human is very low, which is why WHO is still monitoring the number of cases. Nipah is not as much an issue in the United States, but individuals travelling to Asian countries should be aware of the risk of catching the virus.
Countries such as Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have been testing at their airports to further prevent the spread of this virus.
Nipah virus cases are currently under watch by WHO, India and other countries to ensure that the virus spreads as little as possible.