What is known about the Nipah virus to date?
Risks of the Nipah Virus
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection from the Paramyxoviridae family, with bats being the primary carriers.Humans can become infected:
- through contact with infected animals;
- by consuming products contaminated with animal biological secretions;
- through close contact with an infected person.
About 20% of survivors of Nipah suffer from long-term neurological consequences, such as persistent seizures and personality changes. In some individuals, encephalitis may manifest even after recovery.
History of the Nipah Virus
According to WHO data, the virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia among pig farmers living near the Nipah River, from which the disease gets its name. The infection was transmitted to humans through contact with infected pigs, which may have been contaminated with the urine of fruit bats, the natural carriers of the virus.In 2004, the virus also affected residents of Bangladesh who consumed palm sap containing secretions from fruit bats. Cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported, including cases in Indian hospitals.
The last major outbreak occurred in 2008 in Bangladesh, where the mortality rate was about 38% among those infected.
In recent years, according to the BBC, the main focus of the Nipah virus is in the Indian state of Kerala. In 2018, 19 cases were reported, 17 of which resulted in death, and in 2023, two out of six confirmed patients died.
Symptoms of Nipah
The Nipah infection can manifest in various forms—from asymptomatic to severe encephalitis. The incubation period ranges from 4 to 45 days.Among the main symptoms are high fever, headaches, cough, difficulty breathing, general weakness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness and seizures.
Prevention
To avoid infection, it is recommended to follow the same precautions as during the coronavirus pandemic: avoid contact with infected individuals, wash hands thoroughly, and use masks and gloves.Additionally, it is advisable to:
- maintain personal hygiene;
- avoid contact with wild animals;
- not consume raw or undercooked products;
- seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear.
Measures in Kyrgyzstan
On January 26, the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan reported that no cases of Nipah had been registered in the country. The department also noted that the epidemiological situation is under the control of sanitary and epidemiological services.To prevent the importation of the infection into the republic, the Ministry of Health reported that sanitary and quarantine control measures at the border have been strengthened. Sanitary quarantine staff monitor the health of arrivals, control vehicles, and carry out preventive measures in accordance with current regulations.
Medical institutions have been instructed on early detection, isolation of patients, and the organization of anti-epidemic measures.
The Ministry of Health also maintains constant interaction with the WHO and international partners to exchange epidemiological information and coordinate preventive measures, emphasizing that there is no need to panic. The country's healthcare system is prepared for potential epidemiological threats.
Additionally, temporary restrictions have been imposed in Kyrgyzstan on the import of animals susceptible to the Nipah virus from India, as well as animal products.
Current Forecasts
According to "RIA Novosti" from the Russian office of the WHO, the risk of the Nipah virus spreading beyond India is currently low.The organization emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation.
Indian authorities reported that the Nipah outbreak has been localized.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: msn.com.
