Nipah Virus at the Human-Animal Interface: A Persistent Global Health Threat

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is an emerging zoonotic disease transmitted to humans via infected animals (such as bats), or food contaminated with saliva, urine, and excreta of infected animals. According to the WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics, Henipavirus nipahense (also known as the Nipah virus) is a priority pathogen for the development of medical countermeasures to respond to epidemics and pandemics. Direct transmission from person to person through close contact with an infected person is also possible. Fruit bats or flying foxes, (Pteropus species) are considered the natural hosts for the virus. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) ranges from 40% to 75% in prior epidemics in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, depending on local capacities for clinical management and early diagnosis. There is no approved medication or vaccination for NiV infection at present. In order to treat severe respiratory and neurological problems caused by NiV infection, early intensive supportive care and symptomatic treatment is advised. The present article is a compilation of various past studies to put emphasis on the current scenario of Nipah virus borne zoonosis and its effect on human lives.