Nipah virus (NiV) is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted to humans through animals. The first known outbreak occurred in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore. This virus, which has reached epidemic proportions in Bangales and India, has become the agenda.

Only 10% of people with Nipah transmit the virus to others, but experts aren't sure what affects whether or not someone can become infected.

The virus can cause a variety of symptoms in humans, and cases can range from mild to fatal.

Nipah Virus

Infected fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are animal hosts of this virus. Bats can infect other animals such as pigs, horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs. And these animals can transmit it to humans.

Human-to-human transmission is possible when there is initial infection from animal to human.

The 1999 Nipah epidemic affected pigs and humans. About 300 people became infected and more than 100 died.

Nipah Virus Symptoms

Some people with Nipah virus are asymptomatic, meaning they don't notice any symptoms.

Other conditions may be more serious. Symptoms of Nipah virus usually appear within 4 to 14 days. Symptoms of the virus include; Fever, Headache, Cough, Sore Throat, Difficulty Breathing and Vomiting. These can be followed by seizures and encephalitis or brain swelling that causes problems such as disorientation, drowsiness and confusion. Within 24-48 hours, the person may fall into a coma.

Nipah virus is fatal in an estimated 40% to 75% of cases.

Nipah Virus Treatment

There are no drugs or vaccines that directly treat Nipah virus infection. Doctors use supportive care instead. This means they focus on rest, hydration, and treating certain symptoms as they happen.

Source: WebMD