Nipah Virus explained: Symptoms, death rate, and why India is racing to contain the deadly outbreak
Health workers respond as India moves to contain Nipah virus. Image Credit: Getty Images
Indian health authorities are scrambling to contain a deadly Nipah virus outbreak after multiple confirmed infections were reported in West Bengal, including cases among doctors and nurses. Nearly 100 people have been placed under home quarantine, while infected patients are being treated in hospitals in and around Kolkata, with at least one case described as critical.
The outbreak has raised alarm among global health experts because Nipah virus has no approved vaccine or specific cure and is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a high-risk priority pathogen.
What Is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans, and in some cases, from person to person. It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore.
Fruit bats of the Pteropus species are the virus’s natural reservoir, and scientists believe most human infections occur after spillover events involving contaminated food or close contact with infected animals.
Nipah Virus Symptoms: What to Watch For
One of the most dangerous aspects of Nipah virus infection is that early symptoms are non-specific, making detection difficult.
According to health authorities, symptoms often begin with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
As the illness progresses, patients may develop respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, or pneumonia.
The most severe complication is encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. This can cause:
- Confusion and altered consciousness
- Seizures
- Coma
In some cases, symptoms may worsen days or even weeks after initial infection.
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How Deadly Is the Virus?
Nipah virus is considered one of the deadliest viruses known, with reported fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the outbreak and viral strain.
Survivors are not always fully spared. Some experience long-term neurological damage, including persistent seizures or personality changes. Rarely, encephalitis can recur months or years later, either due to relapse or reactivation of the virus.
How Does the Virus Spread?
Health agencies say Nipah virus can spread in several ways:
- Bat to human transmission through fruit or drinks contaminated by bat saliva, urine, or faeces
- Animal to human transmission, especially via infected pigs
- Human to human transmission through close contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals
Family members and caregivers are particularly vulnerable during outbreaks, according to WHO.
Where Has Nipah Virus Appeared Before?
Since its discovery, Nipah virus outbreaks have been recorded mainly in South and Southeast Asia.
- Bangladesh has reported cases almost every year since 2001
- India’s Kerala state experienced its first outbreak in 2018, with sporadic cases since
- Infections have also been reported in the Philippines
Despite fruit bats carrying the virus across parts of Asia and Africa, confirmed human outbreaks remain geographically limited.
Is There Any Treatment or Vaccine?
There is currently no approved vaccine or targeted antiviral treatment for Nipah virus.
Medical care focuses on supportive treatment, managing complications such as breathing difficulties and brain inflammation. Because of its pandemic potential, Nipah virus is included in the WHO’s Research and Development Blueprint for urgent medical research.
How to Reduce the Risk of Infection
Health agencies recommend practical preventive measures, including:
- Avoiding raw or unboiled date palm sap
- Washing and peeling fruits thoroughly
- Discarding fruits with signs of bat bites
- Wearing protective gear when handling sick animals
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Why It Worries Global Health Experts
Nipah virus gained wider attention after inspiring aspects of the 2011 film Contagion, due to its high fatality rate, animal-to-human transmission, and lack of a vaccine.
Experts warn that continued monitoring and rapid containment are essential to prevent wider spread.
FAQ
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a rare but deadly zoonotic virus that spreads from animals to humans and can cause severe brain inflammation.
How deadly is Nipah virus?
Fatality rates range between 40% and 75%, making it one of the world’s deadliest viruses.
Is there a vaccine for Nipah virus?
No. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
What are the early symptoms?
Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and flu-like illness.
Can it spread between humans?
Yes. Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with bodily fluids.
Why is India concerned about Nipah virus?
India has experienced repeated outbreaks, and the virus’s high fatality rate makes rapid containment critical.
How can people protect themselves from Nipah virus?
Avoid contaminated food, practice hygiene, and limit contact with infected individuals or animals.