Understanding Nipah Virus: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention in Simple Terms

Get to know Nipah Virus, a zoonotic disease with a high fatality rate. Check the early symptoms, causes of spread from bats, and ways to protect yourself safely according to public health standards. 

“Nipah Virus” has recently become a widely discussed and concerning topic on social media following reports of infections and deaths in India. Although there is no large outbreak in Thailand yet, the virus’s high fatality rate and severe symptoms, including encephalitis, make it important to understand this virus better. This knowledge will help us prepare and protect ourselves properly before it becomes too late.

What is Nipah Virus? A look into the history of this dangerous virus.

Nipah Virus, or NiV, belongs to the same family as Hendra virus. It is a highly severe zoonotic disease first identified in 1998 during an outbreak among pig farmers in the village of Nipah, Malaysia, from which the virus gets its name.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nipah Virus as one of the "priority diseases" due to its potential to cause major outbreaks. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available for humans.

Causes and spread: Who are the real carriers?

The natural carriers of Nipah Virus are fruit bats, especially the Pteropus genus. The virus lives in these bats without causing illness but can spread through their secretions such as saliva, urine, or feces.

Transmission routes to be cautious about.

• From animals to humans: Direct contact with infected animals (such as pigs or bats) or consuming fruit contaminated with bat saliva or urine, like nipa palm fruit, coconut, or fruit showing signs of being chewed.
• From person to person: Close contact with infected patients’ bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, or blood, often seen among caregivers or healthcare workers.
• Consumption: Drinking fruit juices prepared under unhygienic conditions contaminated by bats.

Check symptoms of Nipah Virus: How to recognize an infection?

The incubation period usually ranges from 4 to 14 days but can be as long as 45 days. Symptoms vary in severity as follows.

Early symptoms (similar to flu).

• High fever and headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Sore throat and vomiting.
• Cough and shortness of breath.

Severe symptoms (nervous system involvement).

If the infection progresses, encephalitis (brain inflammation) can develop, with prominent symptoms including:

• Drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation.
• Seizures and convulsions.
• Loss of consciousness or coma within 24 to 48 hours.
• Survivors may have lasting neurological issues such as personality changes or ongoing seizures.

The alarming severity: Fatality rate up to 75%.

What alarms the world about Nipah Virus is its severity. Outbreak data from various areas show a case fatality rate between 40% and 75%, depending on the local medical capacity—significantly higher than COVID-19.

How to prevent and monitor your safety.

Currently, no vaccine exists for humans. The best prevention is reducing exposure to the virus.

• Avoid fruit with bite marks: Do not consume fruit partially eaten by birds or bats.
• Clean fruit thoroughly: Wash fruit under running water or peel before eating.
• Avoid contact with sick animals: If contact with pigs or bats is necessary, wear protective gear such as gloves and masks.
• Practice personal hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before eating and after using the restroom.

How concerning is Nipah Virus in Thailand?

Although there have been no human Nipah Virus cases reported in Thailand, the presence of Pteropus bats, natural carriers, has prompted continuous monitoring by the Ministry of Public Health. The most important advice is to remain vigilant: if you have a high fever along with a history of contact with animals or consuming suspicious fruit, seek medical attention promptly and provide detailed history.

Sources:CDC,WHO,The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand