Nipah virus infection

What is Nipah virus infection?

Nipah virus infection is a disease that can spread from animals to humans, and in some cases, it can also spread through contaminated food or directly between humans.

Nipah virus was first identified during an outbreak among people with close contact with infected pigs in Malaysia and Singapore from 1998-1999. In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, limited human to human transmission has been reported. Nipah virus poses a recurring risk across parts of South Asia, as its animal reservoir, fruit bats, is widely distributed across the region.

How is Nipah virus transmitted?

Animal-to-human transmission may occur through:

• Direct contact with infected animals, such as bats and pigs, or their bodily fluids or excretions.

• Consumption of raw date palm sap or fruits contaminated by saliva or urine of infected bats.

Human-to-human transmission may occur through:

• Direct contact with infected persons, usually in households or hospitals.

• Contact with body fluids from infected persons.

What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?

Persons infected with Nipah virus may present with symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and sore throat, followed by dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and seizures or coma in severe cases. Infected persons may also develop difficulty in breathing.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

• Travel to areas with Nipah virus transmission

• Exposure to bats or bat-contaminated food or pigs

• Exposure to persons infected with Nipah virus

• Consumption of sap or other products from palm trees

How is Nipah virus treated?

Treatment mainly involves supportive care, which includes rest, fluids to prevent dehydration, and treatment of symptoms and complications such as seizures or breathing difficulties. Patients may require care in hospital or intensive care units. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or licensed vaccine for Nipah virus infection.

How to prevent nipah virus?

To reduce risk of exposure, travellers to nipah virus affected countries are advised to maintain vigilance and adopt the following health precautions:

• Observe good personal hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water, or with hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol content.

• Do not eat or drink products that could be contaminated by bats, such as raw date palm sap or fruit found on the ground.

• Avoid contact with pigs and bats, and bat roosting places.

• Avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids from anyone known to be infected with Nipah virus or persons who are unwell.

• Eat food that is fully cooked and fruits that can be washed and peeled.

Individuals who feel unwell during or after their trip should seek medical attention promptly. They should inform their doctor of their recent travel to Nipah virus-affected areas and any potential exposures to raw date palm sap, bats or unwell persons.

Please refer to Health Advice for Travellers for the full list of precautions to take when travelling.