Six years after the outbreak of the coronavirus, the world has faced a series of viral threats, and the health sector has become increasingly concerned about these developments, fearing a return to the crisis we witnessed previously.
Among the viruses currently threatening is the Nipah virus. Despite its limited geographical spread, it is considered dangerous. It is among the emerging viruses that are raising concerns among international health organizations due to its high mortality rate and the lack of an approved treatment or vaccine.
What is the Nipah virus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is an animal virus, specifically found in a species of fruit bat, which is the natural reservoir for the virus. While the bats themselves do not show symptoms, the virus's danger lies in its ability to be transmitted from animals to humans.
When and where did the Nipah virus first appear?
The Nipah virus is not a new virus. It first appeared in 1998 in Malaysia during an outbreak that affected pig farmers and workers in the sector. Around this time, the virus was linked to direct contact with infected pigs, leading to hundreds of human infections and a significant number of deaths before the outbreak was brought under control through the culling of infected animals.
Modes of transmission of the Nipah virus
According to information documented by the World Health Organization, there are several ways the Nipah virus can be transmitted, including:
Transmission from animals to humans
This requires contact with infected animals or the consumption of food contaminated with bat secretions, such as fruit.
Transmission from person to person
This is also possible, and therefore poses a risk. It can occur through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as saliva, blood, or urine, especially in hospitals or within households.
Healthcare-Assisted Infection
Humans can also contract the Nipah virus without direct contact with an infected animal or even a person, due to medical negligence within healthcare facilities that do not adhere to infection control and prevention measures.
These patterns indicate the virus's ability to adapt and spread in different environments, which increases its epidemic risk.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection range from mild to severe. According to the CDC, symptoms may begin with:
Fever.
Severe headache.
Muscle aches.
Sore throat.
In more severe cases, the infection may progress to:
Acute encephalitis (viral encephalitis).
Altered mental status.
Seizures.
Coma within a few days.
Sources indicate that some cases, after recovery, have experienced long-term neurological complications, such as difficulty concentrating and movement disorders.
Why is the Nipah virus so dangerous?
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the Nipah virus as a highly dangerous virus for several reasons, including:
High mortality rate
The mortality rate ranges from 40% to 75% in some outbreaks, according to the WHO.
Lack of approved treatment or vaccine
Currently available treatment is limited to managing symptoms, such as treating respiratory problems and controlling fever and pain.
Human-to-human transmission
If the virus were transmitted only from animals to humans, its spread might be limited. However, the possibility of human-to-human transmission increases the likelihood of outbreaks, especially in densely populated areas.
Variable incubation period
It can extend from several days to more than two weeks, making early detection difficult.
Read also: Fluids to boost immunity in winter... Highly effective
Countries that have recorded cases of Nipah virus infection
Outbreaks of the Nipah virus have been recorded in a limited number of countries, most notably:
Bangladesh;
India;
Malaysia;
Philippines;
Singapore Outbreaks in Bangladesh and India have often been linked to direct transmission from bats to humans, followed by subsequent human-to-human transmission within families or healthcare facilities.
Prevention of Nipah Virus
The best way to combat Nipah virus is through prevention, which is the first line of defense. Once infected, the condition can be difficult to control and may be fatal. The medical community has identified the following preventive measures:
Avoid consuming fruit or juices that may be contaminated with bat secretions.
Wash and peel fruit thoroughly before eating it.
Avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals.
Strictly adhere to infection control procedures in hospitals.
Use personal protective equipment when dealing with suspected cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Nipah virus on its list of priority research diseases, along with other highly dangerous viruses, due to its potential for mutation or wider spread. International health authorities emphasize that investing in scientific research, vaccine development, and strengthening early warning systems is a necessity, not an option, in confronting this type of emerging virus.