How is the Nipah virus transmitted to humans?

The Nipah virus is transmitted to humans from animals, primarily fruit bats, or through the consumption of contaminated food.

What are the symptoms of Nipah virus infection?

Symptoms can include fever, headache, confusion, and breathing difficulties, with severe cases potentially leading to brain inflammation.

Are there vaccines or treatments for Nipah virus?

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medication available to prevent or treat Nipah virus disease.

Home / Health / Nipah Virus: Travel Alert Issued for Asia

Nipah Virus: Travel Alert Issued for Asia

30 Jan

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Summary

Nipah virus spreads from animals like bats or contaminated food.
Severe cases can lead to brain inflammation like encephalitis.
No vaccine exists; prevention relies on hygiene and avoiding contact.

Nipah Virus: Travel Alert Issued for Asia

Nipah virus, a zoonotic illness primarily transmitted by fruit bats, can infect humans through direct contact or consuming contaminated food. This virus, first identified in Malaysia in 1999, commonly surfaces in rural areas of South and Southeast Asia.

India has faced numerous Nipah virus outbreaks, with yearly occurrences reported in Kerala since 2019, in addition to the recent event in West Bengal. Bangladesh has also experienced near-annual outbreaks since 2001. Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore are among other nations that have recorded Nipah cases.

Symptoms of Nipah virus infection can include fever, headache, confusion, and breathing difficulties. Severe cases may develop encephalitis and meningitis, which are inflammations of the brain. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medical treatment available for Nipah virus disease.