by jennifer rigbyReuters
Nipah virus is a rare viral infection that is primarily spread from infected animals. (file photo)
photograph: Katerina Conn/Science Photo Library
Following two outbreaks of the deadly Nipah virus in India, authorities in Thailand and Malaysia have stepped up airport screening to prevent the spread of the virus. But what is Nipah virus? How worried should people be?
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah is a rare viral infection that spreads primarily to humans from infected animals, primarily fruit bats. Although it may be asymptomatic, it is often very dangerous, with a fatality rate of 40% to 75%, depending on the detection and management capabilities of local health systems, the World Health Organization says.
But experts and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control say that although it can be transmitted from person to person, it is not easily transmitted and outbreaks are usually small and well contained. Vaccine candidates are under development, but none have yet been approved.
How common is it?
Nipah was first identified in Malaysia in 1999. Since then, small outbreaks have occurred almost every year, mainly in Bangladesh. Sporadic outbreaks are also seen in India.
According to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, an organization that tracks emerging infectious disease threats and funds the development of medical tools to protect against them, as of December, 750 people had been infected overall, and 415 of those patients had died.
How does it spread?
When Nipah was first identified in Malaysia, it was spread primarily through direct contact with sick pigs and contaminated tissue. Since then, scientists say it is increasingly spread through contact with its natural host, the flying fox.
More specifically, WHO says the most likely source of infection is ingestion of fruit or fruit products (such as raw date juice) containing the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission is primarily confirmed after close contact between sick patients and their family members or caregivers.
What symptoms do you have?
Early symptoms of Nipah, such as fever, headache, and muscle pain, are not specific and can be confused with other illnesses.
This may be followed by neurological signs of acute encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and some people may experience severe respiratory illness. In severe cases, seizures occur and the person becomes comatose within a few days. Most people who recover make a full recovery, but some may experience long-term neurological problems.
How worried should I be?
Scientists say Nipah is a dangerous disease with a high mortality rate, but there are no signs yet that it is becoming more contagious among humans and can spread easily around the world.
However, it remains a significant public health concern, especially in countries where outbreaks are more common, according to the WHO. It could also lead to mass culling of livestock such as pigs, which are susceptible to the virus.
But scientists say the virus is unlikely to spread globally and also point out that airport testing may be ineffective because of the virus’ long incubation period.
What vaccines and treatments are available?
There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for Nipah, but a number of candidates are being tested, including one developed by Oxford University scientists who were involved in developing the coronavirus vaccine.
The company’s Nipah vaccine uses the same technology and began Phase II trials in Bangladesh in December, in collaboration with Bangladesh’s International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research and with funding from CEPI.
– Reuters