Nipah virus: Causes, Symptoms, Infection & Treatment in India

Overview Of Nipah Virus  

Nipah was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It spreads mainly through fruit bats (also called flying foxes) but can also spread through animals like goats, horses, pigs, dogs, or cats. 

History of Nipah Virus in India 

First Outbreak (2001 - West Bengal)

• The Nipah virus was first identified in India in 2001 in the state of West Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. 
• The outbreak affected about 66 people, and more than half of them sadly lost their lives.
• The virus likely spread from fruit bats to humans, possibly through contaminated fruits or direct contact with bats. 
• After this outbreak, the virus was not detected in India for several years.

Second Outbreak (2007 - West Bengal)

• Another outbreak occurred in 2007, also in West Bengal. This outbreak was smaller but still deadly.
• Similar to the first outbreak, the virus spread from bats to humans, highlighting the ongoing risk in the region.

Third Outbreak (2018 - Kerala)

• In 2018, Kerala, a state in southern India, faced a serious Nipah virus outbreak. 
• It was the first time when Nipah virus was detected in Kerala, and it caused a high fatality rate.
• The source of the virus was again linked to fruit bats, which are common in the region. 

Recent Cases (2019 & 2021 - Kerala)

• In 2019, another case of Nipah virus was reported in Kerala. This time, the health department acted quickly, and the virus didn’t spread much. 
• In 2021, another outbreak occurred in Kerala, leading to the death of a 12-year-old boy. The government took strict measures to prevent further spread of Nipah virus infection. 

Importance of Nipah Virus Awareness 

Awareness of Nipah virus is important for the following reasons: 

• High Mortality Rate - Nipah virus has a high case fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%, making it a significant public health concern. 
• No Vaccine Yet - There is no specific medicine or vaccine to treat or prevent Nipah virus infection. 
• Easy Transmission - The virus gets easily transmitted from an infected human to a healthy human. 
• High Medical Expenses - Treatment of those infected by the virus is not simple, requires many healthcare resources, and can lead to high medical expenses. 
• Preventive Actions - Understanding the symptoms and transmission routes of Nipah virus allows us to take preventive actions, such as avoiding contact with infected animals or people.
• Global Health Hazard - Nipah virus is considered a global health concern by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). Proper awareness can help in preventing a global health hazard. 

Factors Contributing to Nipah Virus Infection 

• Contact with Infected Animals - Nipah viruses often spreads from animals to humans. For example, fruit bats also known as flying foxes are considered to be the primary carriers of Nipah viruses and other animals like pigs can also contribute to the spread of Nipah viruses. 
• Human-to-Human Transmission - Nipah Virus infection can spread from an infected human to a healthy human through the body fluids (blood, saliva, or urine) of the infected human. 
• Contaminated Food - Nipah Virus infection can also spread through contaminated food. For example, eating fruits that have been contaminated by the saliva or urine of infected bats or drinking raw date palm sap that has been contaminated by infected bats, are some common ways in which Nipah viruses get spread. 
• Healthcare Leak - The healthcare workers who have to take care of Nipah virus-infected patients are always at risk of getting infected.  
• Environmental Factors - Living or working in areas where fruit bats are common, especially in regions with dense vegetation, can increase the risk of exposure to the virus.
• Petting Animals - Some animals like pigs can easily get infected by Nipah virus and can transmit these viruses to a human who gets in contact with them.

Symptoms Of Nipah Virus 

Here’s a list of early and severe symptoms of Nipah virus:

Early Symptoms

• Fever - A sudden rise in body temperature is one of the first signs of Nipah virus infection.
• Headache - People often experience a persistent headache along with fever.
• Muscle Pain - Aching muscles are common and can make the body feel weak.
• Sore Throat - A sore or scratchy throat is another early symptom.
• Vomiting - Some people may feel nauseous or vomit. 

Severe Symptoms

• Confusion - As the infection worsens, it can affect the brain, leading to confusion or difficulty in thinking clearly.
• Seizures - Some patients may experience sudden, uncontrollable shaking (seizures) due to brain inflammation.
• Coma - In very severe cases, the infection can lead to a coma, where the patient becomes unconscious and unresponsive.
• Respiratory Issues - Breathing difficulties or respiratory failure may occur as the infection spreads.
• Encephalitis - This is a serious condition where the brain becomes inflamed, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis and Management of Nipah Virus

Below are some basic steps followed by a laboratory technician to diagnose and manage Nipah Virus:

• Understanding Symptoms - The first step in diagnosing Nipah virus is to recognize the symptoms like fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and difficulty in breathing. 
• Patient’s History - Doctors will ask about the patient’s recent activities, such as travel, contact with animals, or exposure to someone who is sick. 
• Sample Collection - To test for Nipah virus, doctors need to collect samples from the patient. These can include the following samples:
  • Throat and Nasal Swabs - Samples are taken from your throat and nose.
  • Blood Samples - A blood sample is collected to check for nipah virus.
  • Other Fluids - Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid (from around the brain and spinal cord) or urine samples are also taken. 
  • Laboratory Testing - The samples are sent to a laboratory where specific tests are done to detect the Nipah virus:
     

1. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) - This test looks for the virus's genetic material (RNA) in the samples. It’s the most common and reliable test for Nipah virus.
2. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) - This test checks for antibodies that the body produces in response to the virus. It can confirm if someone had the virus even after they’ve recovered.
3. Virus Isolation - In some cases, scientists may try to grow the virus from the sample in a controlled lab environment to study it further.
    

• Diagnosis Confirmation - Once the tests are completed, doctors will confirm whether the patient has Nipah virus based on the results. If the virus is detected, immediate medical care is provided to the patient, and steps are taken to prevent the virus from spreading to others. 

A medical laboratory technology technician plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing of Nipah virus and thus directly helps in saving lives. If one wants to make a career in healthcare, one should try getting enrolled in a medical laboratory technology program. 

List of Top Colleges Offering Medical Laboratory Technology Course 

• Dr NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore
• ACP Group of Institute, North Delhi
• Meditech Institute of Allied Health and Sciences, South Delhi
• Medfin Institute Of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad
• GD Goenka Healthcare Academy, Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi
• Global Maharashtra Institute Of Paramedical Sciences, Pune
• Uttaranchal (P.G.) College of Bio-Medical Sciences And Hospital (UCBMSH), Dehradun
• Chavan Paramedical College, Buldana
• JB Group Of Institutions, Guwahati
• Excel Institute of Health Sciences, Namakkal
• Dr NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore
• Soni Paramedical College, Varanasi

Using Docthub can help you find a suitable healthcare program and get enrolled to start a career in healthcare. 

FAQs

What is Nipah virus?

It is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It spreads mainly through fruit bats (also called flying foxes) but can also spread through animals like goats, horses, pigs, dogs, or cats. 

Is Nipah virus still in India?

Nipah Virus is still a threat to India as there is no vaccine to cure it as of now. 

Which fruit causes Nipah virus?

Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans through any contaminated fruit that a Nipah virus-infected bat has bitten.

How long can the Nipah virus survive?

Nipah virus can survive for up to 3 days in some fruit juices or mango fruit, and for at least 7 days in artificial date palm sap (13% sucrose and 0.21% BSA in water, pH 7.0) kept at 22 °C. The virus has a half-life of 18 hours in the urine of fruit bats. 

What is the target of the Nipah virus?

The primary target of the Nipah virus in the human body is the central nervous system, which includes the brain. Nipah virus can cause severe brain inflammation, known as encephalitis, leading to symptoms like confusion, seizures, and even coma. Additionally, Nipah virus also targets the respiratory system, causing symptoms like cough, breathing difficulties, and in some cases, severe respiratory distress.