April 1, 2025

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that can cause severe symptoms and even lead to death. This deadly virus primarily spreads through fruit bats and other intermediate hosts like pigs and other animals. Since its initial appearance in the year 1999, the virus has had several outbreaks almost every year, claiming hundreds of lives in the process. 

The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. Some people may experience extreme symptoms and develop several illnesses, whereas some may not experience any symptoms at all. Understanding the causes and symptoms of the Nipah virus and being aware of its potential risks, such as mortality, can help you take the right steps to prevent it.

Nipah Virus Symptoms

The virus can also spread from person-to-person contact or by consuming food that has bat urine or saliva of an infected animal. It can manifest itself through symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The incubation period often lasts from four to fourteen days, which means people can start showing symptoms four to fourteen days after being infected by the virus. Feel free to reach out to Zenplus if you experience any of the symptoms or are in need of immediate medical help. Our well-equipped ambulance services ensure you reach the nearest hospital as soon as possible while receiving medical assistance en route.   

Initial Symptoms of Nipah Virus

An infected person may show early symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, vomiting, myalgia (muscle soreness) and sore throat. Headaches and fever can be persistent and increase overtime. Some people also experience respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and severe cough. Bodily weakness and fatigue are also some of the common symptoms of nipah virus.

Advanced Symptoms of Nipah Virus

As the infection spreads and worsens, the Nipah virus symptoms progress, too. In severe cases, infected people can develop encephalitis (brain infection which causes it to swell), a life-threatening condition. If the inflammation is prolonged, it can also lead to coma. Other symptoms include:

• Seizures: Uncontrollable abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes changes in the behaviour or movement of the person. It also affects the person’s consciousness. 
• Dizziness and Confusion: The virus can also impair cognitive function, causing disorientation.
• Breathing Difficulties: Issues like shortness of breath, cough, and sore throat increase in intensity, causing respiratory distress. 

Diagnosis of Nipah Virus Disease

Due to the early symptoms of the Nipah virus being similar to that of respiratory problems or any viral infection, doctors often do not diagnose Nipah at first. However, if the symptoms are prolonged or if you have been in close contact with an infected animal or person, the infection can be diagnosed through certain tests. These include:

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR): It detects the virus in bodily fluids providing accurate and quick diagnosis. 

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Another common test done to detect antibodies in the infected body. This test is often performed in the later stages or after the person has recovered from the virus.

Supportive Care for Nipah Virus Treatment

As the virus is new to the medical industry, its medications, treatments, and vaccines are still underway. Currently, treatment procedures are limited to supportive care that helps manage symptoms. Some of the common supportive care treatments are as follows:

• Hydration and Nutrition Management: The infected person often experiences fatigue and bodily weakness. Maintaining proper fluid and food intake is beneficial in supporting the immune system and promoting tissue repair. Additionally, due to excess vomiting, the person may face dehydration. Providing oral fluids like ORS or IV can help maintain the body’s hydration levels. 
• Respiratory Support: In severe cases where the person finds it difficult to breathe, using inhalers or consuming hot beverages can help relieve breathing distress. 
• Neurological Support: Antiseizure medications prescribed by a doctor or medications to reduce brain inflammation are highly beneficial in managing the neurological symptoms of the Nipah virus. 
• Rest: The Nipah virus causes symptoms that harm the body’s immunity and drain the person to a great extent. Getting enough rest is crucial to prevent the symptoms from worsening and promote quick recovery. 

Effective Nipah Virus Prevention Strategies

As mentioned earlier, the Nipah virus spreads through close contact with infected animals or people. To reduce the chances of getting infected by this deadly virus, you can practice the following nipah virus prevention strategies:

1. Avoid Contact with Infected Animals

Refrain from entering areas where there are fruit bats and avoid contact from sick animals as they could be carrying the virus, especially sick pigs. 

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap or use alcohol-based sanitisers to ensure hygiene. If you’re dealing with pigs or any other animals, it is best to clean yourself well after being in close contact with them. 

3. Practice Safe Eating and Drinking

One of the most common ways of contracting the nipah virus is through consumption of food or drinks that contain the saliva or other bodily fluids of infected animals. Ensure you cook the meat or other poultry products properly before consumption to eliminate any viruses. Furthermore, avoid consumption of fruits like lychee or guava and other potentially contaminated items like palm sap. Look out for signs like bat bites before picking these fruits to avoid getting infected. Wash and clean them thoroughly before consumption. 

4. Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals

If you know of someone who is infected by the virus, avoid close contact with them and make sure to use personal protective equipment like face masks, gloves, etc., for enhanced protection. 

5. Be Aware of the Nipah Virus Symptoms

Educate yourself and your near and dear ones about the symptoms of the virus and ensure you seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the signs. Early interventions can help prevent the disease from escalating and causing severe complications. 

Conclusion

The Nipah virus poses a significant threat to public health, especially in regions where outbreaks are on the rise. With the lack of cure and its potential to spread from person-to-person, the virus proves to be a fatal danger. Having knowledge of its symptoms, signs and prevention strategies we can manage outbreaks and reduce the spreading of the Nipah virus, thereby safeguarding health and public well-being. 

FAQs

1. How does the Nipah virus affect the body?

The Nipah virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild respiratory issues to major neurological problems like encephalitis (brain inflammation). Although the initial changes in the body may represent flu-like symptoms, if left untreated, they can cause severe complications. 

2. How is the Nipah virus different from other viral infections?

The nipah virus is different from other viral infections in several ways. For instance, it is a zoonotic virus and can be transmitted from person-to-person contact as well. It causes severe symptoms like brain inflammation, respiratory issues, etc. Additionally, it lacks any specific cure or treatment making it a fatal virus.