Source: TH
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Two nurses in West Bengal have tested positive for the Nipah virus, with one in coma and another on ventilator support, triggering emergency contact tracing and isolation of over 120 people.
About Nipah Virus:
What it is?
- Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (animal-to-human) that can also spread between humans, causing illnesses ranging from mild fever to fatal encephalitis and severe respiratory disease.
Natural Host:
- Primary reservoir: Fruit bats (Pteropus species – flying foxes)
- Intermediate hosts: Pigs, horses, goats, dogs (can infect humans)
- Human transmission:
- Contact with bat-contaminated food (e.g., fruits, date-palm sap)
- Contact with infected animals
- Human-to-human via respiratory droplets, body fluids, or close care
Symptoms:
- Early symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting
- Progressive symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion
- Severe disease:
- Acute respiratory distress
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Seizures and coma within 24–48 hours
Key Features:
- Case fatality rate: 40%–75% (very high)
- Incubation period: 4–14 days (can extend up to 45 days)
- WHO Priority Pathogen: Listed under WHO R&D Blueprint for urgent vaccine and drug research.
Treatment:
- No specific antiviral drug or vaccine available.
- Supportive care is the mainstay:
- Oxygen and ventilator support
- Intensive care for brain and lung complications
- Symptom-based management
- Early isolation, contact tracing, and infection control are critical to stop outbreaks.
