Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning that it can spread between animals and people. Fruit bats, also called flying foxes, are the natural host of NiV in nature. NiV can also cause illness in pigs and horses.
Nipah virus infection in humans can cause a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis. The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%.
Symptoms of NiV infection can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Vomiting
- Loose stools
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Mental confusion
- Coma
There is no specific treatment for NiV infection. Supportive care is provided to patients to relieve symptoms and manage complications.
NiV virus can be transmitted to humans from animals through direct contact with infected animals or their body fluids, or through consumption of contaminated food or water. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through close contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets or body fluids.
To prevent NiV infection, it is important to avoid contact with sick animals, especially bats and pigs. It is also important to avoid consuming raw or undercooked pork, and to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
During an outbreak, standard infection control practices can help prevent person-to-person spread in hospital settings.
Nipah virus infection is a serious public health concern, especially in parts of Asia where outbreaks occur regularly. There is an urgent need for a vaccine and specific treatment for NiV infection.
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