Nipah virus

Nipah virus

 Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that can cause severe disease in both animals and humans. It was first identified in 1998 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. The virus is primarily transmitted from animals, particularly fruit bats, to humans, but can also spread between humans.



Symptoms

In humans, Nipah virus infection can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma.

Transmission

  • Animal to Human: The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bats or pigs, or consumption of contaminated food, such as fruit that has been bitten by bats.
  • Human to Human: There is evidence of human-to-human transmission, particularly through close contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids.

Prevention

Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected animals, practicing good hygiene, and monitoring outbreaks. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Nipah virus infection, so supportive care is critical.

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