The Nipah virus (NiV) could give rise to another pandemic, scientists warn. The findings so far show that it is even 75 percent. deadlier than the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. What is known about the Nipah virus? What are the symptoms of Nipah virus infection, what is the diagnosis and treatment? Is it possible to prevent infection with the Nipah virus?

Nipah virus (NiV)is not a new virus - it was discovered in 1999 after epidemics broke out in Malaysia and Singapore. The disease, spreading from pigs to humans, caused more than 100 deaths there, and authorities then put more than a million pigs to sleep to help contain the tide.

As reported by the CDC and WHO, no further outbreaks have been recorded in Malaysia and Singapore since then. Every year, however, they are observed in some Asian countries, mainly in densely populated India and Bangladesh.

The researchers are concerned both with the very high mortality (40 to even 75% of infection cases are fatal, which was documented in epidemics that took place in 1999-2018) and the fact that the virus is transmitted from humans on a man.

And this raises legitimate concerns about the possibility of triggering another global pandemic. The World He alth Organization has identified the Nipah virus as a priority disease in the WHO's research and development agenda.

Nipah virus - characteristics

Nipah virus (NiV)belongs to the familyParamyxoviridaeand genusHenipavirus . It's a zoonotic virus - it initially spread between animals and passed on to humans. The animal "reservoir" of the Nipah virus is the fruit bats of the genusPteropus(giant fox), sometimes referred to as "flying foxes" or "flying dogs". Their wingspan is up to 170 cm, and their body length is up to 32 cm.

Bats can transmit the virus to other animals, e.g. pigs, or directly to humans.

How does Nipah virus spread to humans?

People can catch the Nipah virus in several ways:

  • through direct contact with an infected animal, its saliva, blood or urine.
  • through contaminated food (e.g. fruit contaminated with the urine or saliva of infected bats)
  • through close contact with a person infected with the Nipah virus or their fluidssystemic - urine, blood, nasal secretions. The most common human-to-human transmission of the Nipah virus occurs in patients' families and in he althcare facilities.
  • cases of infection have also been reported among people climbing trees where bats nest.

Nipah virus - symptoms of infection

Symptoms of infection usually appear 4 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, although studies have reported incubation of the virus for up to 45 days. Initially, they are usually mild and resemble an ordinary infection. Thereafter, they may be aggravated. An infection can cause brain swelling, disorientation, and even coma and death.

Symptoms of Nipah virus infection are:

  • respiratory tract infection
  • fever
  • muscle pain
  • sore throat
  • vomiting
  • convulsions
  • dizziness
  • sleepiness
  • consciousness disorders and neurological symptoms
  • encephalitis
  • atypical pneumonia
  • breathing problems and acute respiratory failure

The death rate due to infection with this virus is estimated from 40 to 75 percent. Complications and side effects, including recurrent seizures and personality changes, have been reported in those who have experienced the infection.

Nipah virus - diagnosis

People who are in areas where this virus occurs, as well as those who have had contact with them, are at risk of infection with the Nipah virus.

As reported by the CDC,Nipah virus infectioncan be diagnosed both during an active infection and after its completion using specialized tests (RT-PCR) based on throat swabs and the nose, as well as samples of urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.

In the later stages of the disease and after recovery, it is possible to test for the presence of antibodies using ELISA tests.

Nipah virus - treatment

So far, there are no drugs against Nipah (NiV) infections. Supportive and symptomatic treatment is recommended - rest, hydration, relieving symptoms such as sore throat, fever, muscle aches and vomiting.

In the case of dyspnea or neurological complications, intensive medical care is necessary. As reported by WHO, work is underway on an effective treatment. The CDC reports on the work on immunotherapeutic therapies (monoclonal antibody therapies), which are currently being investigated for the treatment of infections caused by the Nipah virus.

Scientists from the concern are working onNipah virus vaccine Modern. They reported that the vaccine is being developed using the same technology that was used to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus.

How do I prevent infection with the Nipah virus?

The methods of preventing infections caused by the Nipah virus are similar to those of other infections - wash your hands regularly with soap and water, avoid contact with sick people, wash fruit and food thoroughly.

People who are in countries with active outbreaks of infection are also advised to avoid contact with animals and bat nesting places, and not to drink raw palm juice.

Category:

Infectious diseases