Comprehensive Guide to Nipah Virus: Insights and Updates

Understanding Nipah Virus (NiV)

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, which means it is transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or directly between people. This virus is linked with severe respiratory illness and encephalitis (brain inflammation), and it can be fatal. The primary hosts of the virus are fruit bats (flying foxes), but it can also infect domestic animals like pigs.

How Does Nipah Virus Spread?

The transmission of Nipah virus occurs through various routes:

• Animal to human: By direct contact with infected bats, pigs, or other animals.
• Human to human: Through close contact with an infected person, especially with their bodily fluids (such as saliva, urine, or blood).
• Food-borne transmission: By consuming contaminated food, particularly fruits that may have been exposed to bat secretions.

What Are the Symptoms of Nipah Virus?

Symptoms typically manifest within 5-14 days after exposure and include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Cough or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in severe cases, which can lead to coma or death.

How is Nipah Virus Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves testing body fluids, such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, using techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in India plays a significant role in testing and confirmation.

Is There a Treatment for Nipah Virus?

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Management primarily focuses on supportive care, alleviating symptoms, and addressing complications like respiratory distress or encephalitis. Experimental treatments and vaccines are under research.

How Can Nipah Virus Be Prevented?

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding contact with sick animals, especially bats and pigs.
• Properly washing and peeling fruits before consumption.
• Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing.
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients infected with Nipah.

Latest Nipah Virus Incident in Malappuram, Kerala (2024)

A 24-year-old man from Wandoor, Malappuram district, Kerala, died of a Nipah infection on Monday. The man, a student in Bengaluru, had been admitted to a private hospital with hepatitis symptoms and later developed encephalitis, prompting doctors to suspect Nipah virus. His serum samples were sent to Kozhikode and Pune for testing, which confirmed Nipah infection.

Key Developments:

• The man sought treatment at four private hospitals, leading to the identification of 150 people in his primary contact list, who were asked to isolate themselves.
• Of the 150 contacts, five showed mild symptoms, and their samples have been sent for further testing.
• Kerala’s health department activated Nipah virus protocols, forming 16 committees to monitor and contain the outbreak.
• This incident follows a July 2024 case in which a 14-year-old boy died of Nipah in the same district, leading to restrictions in nearby panchayats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How deadly is Nipah Virus?
Answer: Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the outbreak and the quality of healthcare facilities.

Q2. Is there a vaccine for Nipah Virus?
Answer: Currently, there is no vaccine available for Nipah virus, though research is ongoing to develop one.

Q3. What steps are taken when Nipah cases are detected?
Answer: Authorities implement strict isolation protocols, contact tracing, and quarantine measures. Infected individuals receive supportive care in hospitals, while those in contact with them are closely monitored for symptoms.

Q4. Can Nipah Virus outbreaks be contained?
Answer: Yes, with timely detection, contact tracing, and isolation of affected individuals, Nipah outbreaks can be contained, as seen in previous outbreaks in Kerala.

Q5. Where have previous outbreaks occurred?
Answer: Nipah virus outbreaks have mainly been reported in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh. Kerala, India, saw outbreaks in 2018, 2021, and 2024.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary host of Nipah virus?
A) Domestic pigs
B) Fruit bats
C) Humans
D) Farm animals
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is a common symptom of Nipah virus infection?
A) Rash
B) Drowsiness or confusion
C) High blood pressure
D) Nausea
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which method is used for the diagnosis of Nipah virus?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
C) Urine test
D) Blood pressure monitoring
Correct Answer: B