All you need to know about the Nipah Virus

In the wake of the deaths in Kerala due to Nipah Virus, here is a guide about the infection which can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis

BENGALURU:  Nipah Virus, often abbreviated as NiV, is a zoonotic virus that can cause severe illness in humans. It was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers and subsequently in Singapore. Nipah Virus belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. RNA virus is known to cause Nipah Virus infection, or Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) in humans.

Transmission and Spread

•  Nipah Virus primarily spreads through direct contact with infected bats, pigs, or contaminated materials, like their urine or saliva
•  Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with infected individuals, especially in healthcare settings
•  Consuming fruits contaminated by bat saliva or urine can also lead to infection

At-Risk Population

•  People in close contact with infected animals, especially those involved in the pig farming industry, are at higher risk
•  Healthcare workers caring for NiV-infected patients are also at risk due to potential nosocomial transmission
•  Communities living in regions with known NiV outbreaks face a higher risk

Precautions & Prevention

•  Strict hygiene measures should be followed when handling animals, particularly pigs and bats
•  Avoid drinking raw date palm sap, which can be contaminated with the virus
•  Isolation and appropriate infection control measures in healthcare settings are crucial
•  Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for healthcare workers
•  Public health authorities conduct contact tracing and isolation of suspected cases during outbreaks

Contagiousness

•  Nipah Virus is not as highly contagious as some other viruses like measles or the common cold
•  In view of being less contagious the risk of Nipah spreading rapidly is lesser. The risk typically decreases with distance

Seriousness of Disease

•  Nipah Virus infection can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), leading to a high mortality rate
•  The seriousness of the disease depends on factors like the strain of the virus and the individual’s immune response
•  NiV outbreaks have led to fatalities in the past, making it a public health concern
•  Nipah Virus is known for its relatively-high virulence, meaning it has the potential to cause severe disease in infected individuals

Virulence

•  Nipah Virus can cause a range of clinical presentations, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
•  The case fatality rate (CFR) can vary depending on the outbreak strain and the level of medical care available, but it has been reported to be as high as 70 per cent in some outbreaks
•  Severe cases often lead to respiratory distress and neurological complications, making it a highly concerning pathogen

Public Health Measures

•  Stay informed about the situation by following updates from trusted health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
•  Pay attention to any travel advisories or restrictions issued by local health authorities

Healthcare Preparedness

•  Ensure that healthcare facilities in Bengaluru are prepared to handle any potential cases, with proper isolation and infection control protocols in place
•  Advocate for healthcare workers to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with suspected cases

(The writer is lead consultant – interventional pulmonology & lung transplantation, Aster RV Hospital)