Nipah virus
Nipah virus (pronunciation: /ˈniːpɑː/; etymology: Named after Sungai Nipah, a village in the Malaysian Peninsula where it was first discovered) is a zoonotic virus (a virus transmitted to humans from animals). It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. Nipah virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.
Transmission
Nipah virus is a type of paramyxovirus and is naturally harbored by the fruit bat or flying foxes (genus Pteropus). It is capable of infecting a wide range of animals and can cause severe and often fatal disease in both animals and humans. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat feces, saliva, and birthing fluids. Humans can be infected with Nipah virus after exposure to these fluids.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Nipah virus infection can vary from none to fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. There is no vaccine for either humans or animals and the primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care.
Prevention
Prevention of Nipah virus infection is important since there is no effective treatment for the disease. The infection can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and not drinking raw date palm sap.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nipah virus
- Wikipedia's article - Nipah virus
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