Here are 10 important things to know about the deadly Nipah virus
Nipah Virus (NiV) was first identified in 1998 in Malaysia during an outbreak among pig farmers and has since been found in several countries
NiV is transmitted to humans from animals, primarily through the consumption of contaminated food or direct contact with infected animals
Fruit bats, specifically the Pteropus genus, are the natural reservoir hosts of Nipah virus
Nipah virus infection can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and in severe cases, encephalitis, and respiratory problems.
The incubation period for Nipah virus can range from 4 to 14 days, during which an infected person may not show symptoms
This occurs through close contact with infected individuals, particularly via respiratory secretions or saliva
Nipah virus outbreaks are sporadic and can occur in clusters, often in rural areas with limited healthcare infrastructure
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with sick animals and practising good hygiene
There is no specific antiviral treatment for the Nipah virus
Research for developing an effective vaccine for the Nipah virus is currently underway