Nipah virus infection: an emerging zoonotic disease

Know everything about Nipah virus infection

• Nipah virus (NiV) is a RNA virus causing zoonotic disease which is characterised by fever, respiratory symptoms, confusion, disorientation and inflammation of brain or encephalitis. 
• The disease is called a Zoonosis because it is caused by transmission of virus from animals to humans infecting both animals and humans. 
• Animals such as fruit bats or flying foxes and pigs are the natural reservoirs of Nipah virus that belongs to the henipavirus genus of paramyxoviridiae family.
• The saliva and urine of bats contain the virus.  Eating the date palm saps contaminated with the infected bat's saliva can transmit the infection to the humans.  
• Nipah virus affects the pigs and humans. There may be no apparent symptoms in pigs, however. 
• Humans can get infected from infected pigs or bats or through direct contact with infected human. 
•  The infection can be asymptomatic, mild to moderate or severe causing fatal encephalitis.
• Even after the recovery, the person may suffer from neurological complications such as seizures.
• The Nipah virus infection was first reported in Malaysia in the year 1999 according to WHO. 
• The Nipah virus belongs to certain parts of Asia including Bangladesh and India, where the outbreaks are reported annually. '
• According to the latest updates, in India, the occurrence of Nipah virus is limited to only two districts of Kerala. 
• The fatality rate of Nipah virus is 40-75 percent.
• Nipah virus infection is an emerging illness in animals and humans.  It is included in the priority list of WHO health and research blueprint.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nipah Virus disease?

People infected with Nipah virus may not show symptoms at all sometimes. Some people show mild symptoms whereas the symptoms may be severe in other cases. 

The most common symptoms have an onset between 4-14 days after the initial exposure to the virus.  Some people often go asymptomatic despite having the virus inside their body.  They can act as carrier of the virus and may continue to shed off the virus in the droplets and by direct contact with the healthy person. 

The known Signs and Symptoms of Nipah Virus are:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Episodes of vomiting
• Headache may last for less than a week to more than 2 weeks. 
• Weakness and muscle aches
• Trouble in breathing

The symptoms when get severe they may be a reason of causing fatality and can be serious or life-threatening. 

Let us know about the severe symptoms of the Nipah virus infection:

When the virus reaches the brain, it may cause the inflammation of the brain parenchyma causing encephalitis. This causes several symptoms such as:

• The person seems confused.
• The person feels dizzy or drowsy. 
• The person becomes disoriented to time, place, person and things.
• The person may or may not have seizure episodes.
• The person has extreme difficulty breathing (severe respiratory distress)
• The fever may not subside. 

These signs are an alarming situation and the person needs immediate medical help. Rush to your nearest health care facility if you notice such symptoms. 

If the situation persists for more than 24-48 hours, the person may suddenly go into coma state or lose the consciousness. 

What are the causes of Nipah virus infection?

The Nipah virus infection is caused by the rna virus of henipah genus of paramyoviridae family. 

Primary or Natural hosts:  Fruit bats

Intermediate hosts: pigs

 

The fruit bats contain the virus and they infect the pigs. The infected pigs are then capable of transmitting the virus to the humans through direct contact. 

 How is the Nipah Virus transmitted? 

Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans through direct contact or use of contaminated products. 

Transmission of Nipah virus infection:

• Direct contact with the infected animals, mainly pigs can spread the virus to the humans. Pig farmers are at more risk
• Eating food products that are contaminated with the saliva or urine or other body fluids of the infected animals can also transmit the infection to humans. 
• Direct handling of the body fluids and products made from infected pigs can transmit the virus. 
• Droplets of infected humans and infected animals can also spread the virus to humans. 
• Asymptomatic persons can also spread the virus by their droplets and the body fluids. 
• When the infected bats eat the date palm saps or any other fruit on the trees, they transmit the virus onto such foods.  On consuming such infected or contaminated food can thus cause transmission of virus to humans or pigs. 
• If you are taking care of an infected person, you may get the virus if you don't follow universal precautions.  Infections in hospital settings may be due to careless handling of contaminated body fluids and or droplet spread of infection. 

How can we diagnose the infection with Nipah virus?

• Infection with Nipah virus can be diagnosed by performing blood tests and RT-PCR assays. 
• Nasal and throat swabs are taken to detect the virus.  
• Cerebrospinal fluid, urine and saliva samples can also be tested for virus detection.
• Immunosorbent assays can be done in later stages. 

What is the treatment of Nipah Virus infection or Nipah disease?

There is no specific treatment for infection with Nipah Virus. Only supportive and symptomatic treatment is provided to the persons infected with the virus. 

The patient is advised to take rest, maintain hydration by intake of oral fluids, taking regular medications to treat the symptoms.  Depending upon the severity of the symptoms and the duration they occur, the person is treated as per the priority needs. 

What are the prevention steps for Nipah Virus disease? 

Prevention of Nipah virus infection:

1. Practice good handwashing with soap and water for atleast 20 seconds. 
   
2. Do not eat any fruit that is unwashed or raw if you are living in area where there are cases of the infection. 
3. Do not eat raw date palm saps.
4. Do not eat fruits that have been bitten or have cuts or breaks on them. 
5. Always wash the fruits under running water before consuming. 
6. Avoid contact with infected or sick pigs and their body fluids.  Always use gloves if you are a pig farmer or need to take care of them. 
7. Avoid having direct contact with the infected humans and their body fluids. 

Nipah virus is an emerging virus causing zoonotic disease in pigs population and humans. It is characterised by fever, headache and respiratory symptoms. Severe symptoms may cause inflammation of your brain and may even cause coma if untreated.

Note: This blog post is for educational and informational purpose only. It is not a substitute for any medical advice, consultation or treatment. Please see your doctor in any case.