Nipah Virus: Understanding the Deadly Zoonotic Threat

Daily Health

30/01/2026

The World Health Organization has reported two new cases of the Nipah virus in eastern India, a rare and highly fatal zoonotic disease. This virus, which can be transmitted from animals to humans and also between people, has a concerningly high mortality rate, making it a significant public health concern.

Key Takeaways

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease with a high fatality rate, often exceeding 50%.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals (pigs, bats) or contaminated food and drink.
Human-to-human transmission is possible through close contact.
Symptoms range from flu-like illness to severe neurological complications, including coma.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment; care is supportive.

How Nipah Virus Spreads

Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can jump from animals to humans. The primary modes of transmission involve direct contact with infected animals, particularly pigs and fruit bats. Consuming fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, that have been contaminated by the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats also poses a risk. Furthermore, the virus can spread directly from person to person, though this requires very close contact with an infected individual.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Following infection, symptoms typically appear within four to 14 days, with asymptomatic cases being rare. Initial signs are often non-specific and mimic flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. In a significant portion of patients (about two-thirds), the disease progresses rapidly, leading to coma within five to seven days. Respiratory issues, such as coughing, and abnormal chest X-rays can also occur. Many patients exhibit changes in the fluid surrounding the brain, indicative of viral encephalitis, and brain imaging can reveal tissue death, with electrical brain activity often predicting disease severity.

The Danger of Nipah Virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies Nipah virus as a biosafety level four pathogen, placing it in the same category as Ebola. Its high case fatality rate, potential for human-to-human transmission, capacity to cause outbreaks, and the absence of approved vaccines or treatments make it a serious public health threat and a potential bioterrorism agent. Severe cases can lead to permanent damage to brain regions controlling vital functions like eye movement, heart rate, and blood pressure. Survivors often face long-term effects, including persistent fatigue and neurological issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves testing blood samples to detect and quantify specific proteins associated with the virus. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral drug for Nipah. Medical care focuses on supportive measures, including respiratory support for patients with severe neurological symptoms. The drug ribavirin, used for hepatitis C, has shown mixed results and may offer some benefit. Prevention strategies emphasize reducing animal-to-human transmission and implementing strict infection control measures when caring for infected individuals.

Where Outbreaks Occur

Nipah virus outbreaks are a recurring event in parts of Asia, frequently occurring in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Bangladesh has recorded the highest number of infections. These regions are home to fruit bats, the primary carriers of the virus. Outbreaks typically occur between December and May, coinciding with bat breeding seasons and the harvesting of date palm sap. While the virus has been detected in bats in other countries, including China and Thailand, no cases have ever been reported in the United States. Globally, approximately 754 cases have been reported as of 2026, though this number is likely an underestimation.

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