Nipah virus disease emerged in the late 1998 in Malaysia. Both humans and animals can be affected by this novel paramyxovirus.
The virus is a microscopic infectious parasite that needs another living organism or host body for replication or reproduction. These parasites can infect all forms of living organisms like bacteria, plants, and animals.
Moreover, a virus infection can spread between human to human, animal to human, etc. A zoonotic virus can transmit from animals to humans. Nipah virus disease is a zoonotic disease as it spreads from animals like bat, pig, etc. to humans.
Nipah Virus
The Nipah virus or NiV, a relatively new pathogen from the Paramyxoviridae family, can infect both animals and humans and cause fatal, rapid respiratory and neurologic disease.
This virus is a member of the Henipavirus genus and related to Hendra virus, from a similar genus. Nipah virus has an enveloped and single-stranded RNA structure. The natural host of this virus is fruit bats.
Before entering the human body, pigs also work as the intermediate host of this virus. As per recent studies, Malaysian flying fox can also act a potential carrier of NiV. This virus can spread by contaminated foods and close contact between humans, such as via medical personnel or family members.
According to the WHO, the estimated fatality rate of this virus is 40% to 75%. However, the rate depends on the local capabilities of clinical management and epidemiological surveillance of the outbreak.
Signs and Symptoms of Nipah Virus
The infected host bodies start showing Nipah symptoms after 5-14 days of contact with the virus. This timeline is known as the incubation period. However, in some cases, the incubation period can go up to 45 days as well.
After this incubation period, the initial Nipah virus symptoms resemble common flu signs.
Some Common Signs and Symptoms are-
A mild to severe infection in the respiratory tract.
Moderate to high fever. Also, sometimes the symptoms of Nipah fever are chills and convulsion.
Acute pneumonia.
Stiffness and severe pain (myalgia) in muscle can also be a NiV symptom.
Sore throat.
Vomiting.
Dizziness and drowsiness.
Disorientation.
Mental confusion and altered consciousness.
Inflammation and swelling in the brain.
Seizures.
In the case of human infection, the Nipah virus shows various types of clinical presentations. Starting from subclinical asymptomatic infection, NiV in humans can cause acute respiratory distress and fatal encephalitis.
Any Nipah virus symptoms that show neurological signs can indicate acute encephalitis. As a result of acute encephalitis and recurrent seizures, infected individuals can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.
Diagnosis of Nipah Virus
The initial Nipah virus symptoms are nonspecific; thus, the accurate diagnosis is often challenging. Eventually, that affects the outbreak of the disease adversely, and effective infection control measures become compulsory.
During the acute phase of Nipah virus disease, the infection can be diagnosed by analysing the clinical history of the patient. The main diagnosis test is performed through Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction or RT-PCR from the body fluid and detection of antibodies by ELISA, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.
Other clinical tests for NiV infection include PCR or polymerase chain reaction assay, and isolation of virus by cell culture.
However, the efficiency of sample collection and transferring time can affect the accuracy of clinical tests.
Treatment of Nipah Virus
Presently, the Nipah virus cure vaccine or drugs are not available. As treatment for severe respiratory and neurological complications, doctors recommend intensive supportive care.
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FAQs on Nipah Virus Symptoms
1. What are the common symptoms of a Nipah virus infection?
A Nipah virus infection often begins with flu-like symptoms. These include fever, headaches, muscle pain (myalgia), vomiting, and a sore throat. As the illness progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
2. What causes Nipah virus disease (NiV)?
Nipah virus disease is caused by a zoonotic virus, which means it can spread between animals and people. The virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Henipavirus. The natural hosts of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, commonly known as 'flying foxes'.
3. How does the Nipah virus spread from animals to humans?
The virus can spread to humans through several pathways:
- Direct contact with infected animals, such as bats or pigs, or their body fluids.
- Consuming contaminated food products, like fruits or raw date palm sap that have been contaminated by the saliva or urine of infected bats.
- Close contact with an infected person's body fluids, such as nasal or respiratory droplets, urine, or blood.
4. Which parts of the body are most affected by the Nipah virus?
The Nipah virus primarily targets two main areas of the body. Initially, it can cause severe respiratory problems. However, its most dangerous impact is on the central nervous system, where it can cause acute encephalitis, which is severe inflammation of the brain. This is what leads to symptoms like confusion and drowsiness, and can result in a coma or death.
5. What are some key ways to prevent a Nipah virus infection?
Preventing Nipah virus involves avoiding exposure. Key safety measures include:
- Avoiding the consumption of raw date palm sap (toddy) which may be contaminated by bats.
- Thoroughly washing and peeling fruits before eating them.
- Wearing gloves and other protective clothing when handling sick animals.
- Practising regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after caring for or visiting sick people.
6. Is there a specific cure for Nipah virus, and how is it treated?
Currently, there is no specific drug or vaccine available for Nipah virus infection in either humans or animals. Treatment is limited to intensive supportive care, which focuses on managing the patient's symptoms. This includes rest, hydration, and medical intervention for any respiratory and neurological complications that develop.
