According to reports, the Nipah virus is present in India. Recently, two suspected Nipah cases were reported in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Both patients, a male staff member and a female nurse, worked at the same private hospital. After diagnosis, doctors admitted them in critical condition and placed them on ventilator support.
The Union Ministry responded to the situation. Soon after, the reports spread and went digital. It dispatched a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to manage the situation.
This specific team included experts from the National Institute of Virology in Pune and AIIMS. These health workers initiated contact tracing across the regions. It covered North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and East Midnapore. An intent to stop the spread of the Nipah virus.
But Nipah is not a recent or new virus outbreak. Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly virus that spreads from animals to humans. Infected people can pass it to others, making it more dangerous.
What happens in Nipah Virus? This disease infects the brain and causes breathing problems. Also, doctors report a high fatality rate between 40% and 75%. The most dangerous fact is that the World Health Organization has no cure yet. So, you can imagine the situation if this virus spreads.
Now that we know the Nipah virus is present in India, let us understand it in detail. What it is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and how to reduce the risk of infection.
What Does the Nipah Virus Do to Humans?
Nipah virus is a dangerous virus that spreads from animals to humans. This virus belongs to the Henipavirus group and relates to the Hendra virus. First discovered in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, over 100 people lost their lives. Authorities culled near one million pigs to stop the outbreak.
Which animal is the carrier of the Nipah virus? You must have heard “Flying foxes,” also called fruit bats. These bats are natural carriers of the Nipah. This virus spreads via saliva, urine, and other body fluids. Interestingly, these bats are just the carriers because they don’t get sick. They pass the virus to other animals and humans.
Can Nipah Spread Through the Air?
Nipah virus can spread through the air and other ways. This easy and quick spread can cause an outbreak. (Hard to control) This virus spreads through:
- From animals to humans: By touching the blood, saliva, or urine of the infected animals like bats, horses, or pigs.
- Through contaminated food: In India and Bangladesh, several cases have been reported due to the consumption of contaminated fruits and other food.
- From an infected person to person: A close contact with an infected person can get the Nipah virus.
- Through air: Coughing and sneezing can release droplets into the air. The air allows it to spread to nearby people.
What are the Symptoms of Nipah Virus?
After exposure to the Nipah virus, symptoms appear within 4 to 14 days. In some cases, symptoms may present later. But there are early and serious brain-related symptoms.
Early warning signs are –
High fever, severe headache, body pain, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, breathing trouble, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Serious Brain-related symptoms occur as the infection worsens. The virus affects the brain, and people suffer from:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures, and slurred speech. In the worst case, a coma.
Together, these symptoms can take the lives of people. By May 2024, Nipah caused the death of 435 out of 754 worldwide. It highlights about 58% fatality rate across five countries.
Diagnosis of Nipah Virus
Doctors find it difficult to detect Nipah because the initial symptoms are similar to those of a common viral infection.
Two main tests that confirm this infection:
- RT-PCR Test: This test detects the NiV in the blood, throat swabs, urine, or other body fluids.
- ELISA Test: It detects antibodies and is important in the later stages of the disease.
Is There any Treatment for Nipah?
There is no proven medicine or vaccine for the Nipah virus. The treatment focuses on supporting the body’s ability to fight the disease. Doctors give fluids and monitor the patient. If breathing worsens, doctors put patients on ventilators.
In cases where the virus affects the brain, antiseizure medications control seizures and prevent future complications.
There are numerous drug trials to identify a medical solution. One promising antibody is m102.4. It clears the early safety trials, and doctors use it in emergency conditions. Remdesivir is another helpful drug used in the treatment of the Nipah virus. Doctors used this same drug in the treatment of COVID-19.
Also, doctors gave Ribavirin during the first outbreak in Malaysia. But this drug still lacks strong scientific backing.
Has Anyone Survived Nipah Virus?
The answer is Yes. Survival is possible following a prolonged hospital stay and intensive care. Unfortunately, this virus attacks the brain. SO many survivors require months of rehabilitation.
In Kerala 2025, doctors discharged a woman after five long months of treatment and neuro-rehabilitation. During the 2018 Kerala outbreak, 2 out of 23 patients survived.
However, even after surviving, they live a challenging life. Survivors live with lasting brain damage. Some patients develop:
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Mental health problems
How Can We Prevent Nipah Virus?
Prevention is better than a cure. Always! Simple actions can reduce the risk. People should avoid eating fruits that may be eaten by bats. Washing fruits in the running water helps, too. Keep a distance from sick animals. (Especially horses and pigs)
Cover your mouth if you are near an infected person. Even if it is a common cold or influenza. Don’t put yourself at risk. Don’t go near infected people and keep them in isolation. Social distancing is effective.
