Due to this, preventative action against the spread of diseases is considered very important. The WHO also recognized that there is a need for accelerated research and development on the virus.How does the Nipah virus spread?
While the disease primarily spreads through bats, it can also spread through pigs and other animals such as goats, horses, dogs, or cats.
Once the disease has spread to humans, it can be transmitted person to person.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease spreads:
If a person or animal has contact with the bodily fluids, blood, urine, saliva or faeces of an infected animal.
If a person eats foods contaminated by an infected animal.
If people are in close contact with someone who has Nipah virus, typically while caring for them.
What are the symptoms of the Nipah virus?
When humans develop symptoms, they usually display a range of flu-like symptoms. These tend to appear within 4 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Due to this, people often spread the disease, unaware that they have even contracted it. This includes having a fever, headaches, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and a sore throat.
However, this can progress and become more serious, with further symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, seizures, coma and respiratory distress.
The most serious complication is often what makes it so deadly. It is known as the neurological complication called encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain and can prove to be fatal.
Individuals who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long-term neurologic conditions have been reported in survivors, according to the WHO.
Update 01/28/26: Following publication of this article, authorities in India performed more tests and have now reported that only two cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed. Previously, the government stated there were five cases.
Airports in Asia are reportedly bringing in COVID-like measures after the outbreak of a deadly virus in India that has high fatality rates.
