Nipah Virus: A Hidden Threat in Our Midst

Nipah virus is a rare but dangerous illness. It usually starts in animals, like fruit bats, and can jump to humans. The death rate is high, between 40% to 75%, but it doesn't spread easily from person to person. This makes outbreaks smaller and more contained. The virus was first found in Malaysia in 1999. Since then, there have been small outbreaks almost every year, mostly in Bangladesh and India. As of December, there have been 750 recorded cases, with 415 deaths. This shows the virus is not common, but it is deadly. Nipah can spread through contact with sick pigs or contaminated tissues. It can also spread from fruit bats. Eating fruit or drinking raw date palm juice contaminated with bat urine or saliva can cause infection. Human-to-human spread is rare but possible, mainly through close contact with sick patients.The symptoms start with fever, headaches, and muscle pain. These can be confused with other diseases. Later, symptoms can include brain inflammation, severe respiratory problems, and seizures. Most people who survive make a full recovery, but some have long-term neurological problems. Nipah is a serious health concern, especially in countries where outbreaks are common. It can lead to the mass culling of farm animals like pigs. However, scientists say it is unlikely to spread globally. Airport screening may not be effective due to the virus's long incubation period. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for Nipah yet. But, several candidates are being tested, including one developed by Oxford University scientists. This vaccine uses the same technology as their COVID-19 vaccine and began phase II testing in Bangladesh in December.