AN OVERVIEW ON NIPAH VIRUS.

1. An Overview on NIPAH Virus
PRATYUSH ANAND ; VIKASH KUMAR, B.PHARM
NIBHA INSTITUTE OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES – CHHABILAPUR,
RAJGIR, NALANDA (803116)
Abstract
NIPAH Virus (NIV) is a zoonotic virus and can also be
transmitted through contaminated food or directly
between peoples.
In humans, it causes a range of clinical presentations, from
asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection and
fatal encephalitis.
WHO Research and Development recently identified NIPAH
Virus as a priority Disease.
Fruit Bats of the Family – PTEROPODIDAE, particularly
species belonging to the PTEROPUS genus [1].
Also Known as Flying Foxes.
One of the largest Bats in the
World.
First recognized in 1998 – 1999 in Malaysia [2].
India has experienced 4 outbreaks of NIV Virus:
2001 – In SILIGURI ( West Bengal) {45 deaths reported} [3].
2007 – In Nadia (West Bengal) {70 deaths reported} [4].
2018 – In Kozhikode (Kerala) {21 deaths reported} [5].
2021 – In Kozhikode (Kerala) {2 deaths reported till date}
[6].
Past Outbreaks
Natural Hosts: Fruit Bats
Signs & Symptoms
Transmission
Most Human infections resulted from direct contact with sick
Pigs.
In India, it spread due to the consumption of fruits and fruit
products which are contaminated from saliva of Bats.
It spreads directly from person to person through the cough
droplets and objects contaminated by secretions (Urine, Saliva)
of infected animals or Humans.
Initial Symptoms – Fever, Headache, Myalgia, Vomiting and
Sore throat, Dizziness, Drowsiness.
Followed By – Altered Consciousness and Neurological signs
that lead to acute Encephalitis.
Incubation Period is 4 to 14 days. And, Fatality Rate is 40 –
75% [3].
Approx. 20% patients are left with residual neurological
Consequences such as seizure disorder and personality
changes [4].
Diagnosis
Main tests are (RT-PCR) from body fluids. And, antibody
detection via (ELISA).
Other tests are (PCR) Assay for virus isolation by cell culture [5].
Treatment
Currently no drugs or vaccine has been identified.
A cross-sectional survey of ICMR-NIV has picked up that there is
the presence of the antibodies in two species of bats
(ROUSETTUS LESCHENAULTII and PIPISTRELLUS) [6].
Intensive Supportive care is recommended to treat severe
respiratory and neurologic complications.
In 2018, Ribavirin named drug was used as Emergency drug to
control the disease (only Aerosols and oral tabs) [5].
Prevention
The animal premises should be Quarantined immediately.
Consume only washed fruits and avoid consuming half-eaten
fruits from the ground. Use Nose mask which prevents from the
Virus(N-95).
Avoiding entering into abandoned wells. And, washing of hands
with soap and water must be regularly [7].
References
[1-4] https://www.who.int/nipah-virus (Accessed on 18/9/21).
[5] https://www.cdc.gov.in/nipah-virus (Accessed on 18/9/21).
[6] https://www.wionews.com/india-news/researchers-discover-
nipah-virus-antibodies-in-bats-from-Maharashtra-mahabaleshwar-
cave-393443 (Accessed on 18/9/21).
[7] https://www.ncdc.gov.in/nipah-virus (Accessed on 18/9/21).
YEAR DISTRICT/ST
ATE
DEATHS
REPORTED
INFERENCES
2001 SILIGURI/Wes
t Bengal
45 Deaths [3]
2007 Nadia/West
Bengal
70 Deaths [4]
2018 Kozhikode/Ke
rala
21 Deaths [5]
2021 Kozhikode/Ke
rala
2 Deaths [6]