Here’s what you need to know about Nipah virus
The UKHSA has shared advice on a potentially fatal virus (Image: Getty)
Health authorities have issued guidance for travellers following the emergence of a potentially fatal virus outbreak. Reports of Nipah virus cases have surfaced across part of Asia.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released an update emphasising that awareness of this virus is “important” for anyone considering travel to affected areas. The natural hosts of the virus are fruit bats.
However, research indicates that Nipah virus can also infect various other animal species. Human cases of Nipah virus have exclusively been documented in South and South-East Asian territories.
Most recently, an outbreak has emerged in West Bengal, India, whilst previously impacted nations include:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Malaysia
- The Philippines
- Singapore
Signs and symptoms
The UKHSA states that the incubation period (the duration between infection and symptom onset) typically ranges from four to 21 days. Initial symptoms generally manifest as a sudden onset of non-specific flu-like illness accompanied by fever.
Pneumonia and additional respiratory complications may subsequently develop. The UKHSA noted: “The most serious complication is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, which typically develops three to 21 days after the initial illness begins.
“This is the hallmark of Nipah infection and is associated with a very high mortality rate.”
The virus carries a significant fatality rate amongst humans. “It is estimated that between 40 and 75 per cent of people infected with Nipah virus will die,” the UKHSA said.
“Some survivors may be left with lasting neurological difficulties, including persistent seizures and personality changes.
“In rare cases, the virus can reactivate months or even years after the initial infection.”
How it spreads
Human infections can arise through direct contact with infected animals and their bodily secretions. Nevertheless, many cases stem from consuming fruit or fruit-based products (including raw or partially fermented date palm juice) that have been contaminated with the faeces, urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.
The UKHSA explained: “Person-to-person spread is possible through close contact with an infected person or their body fluids. This has been documented in Bangladesh and India, most commonly among family members and close contacts caring for infected patients.
“Those with respiratory symptoms may pose a transmission risk.”
At present, there is no proven specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, nor any preventative vaccine available.
Guidance for travellers
To stay safe, the UKHSA recommends the following steps if you are travelling to an affected area:
- Avoid contact with bats and their environments, and sick animals
- Don’t consume raw or partially fermented date palm sap – if consuming date palm juice, ensure it has been boiled first
- Wash all fruit thoroughly with clean water and peel before eating; avoid consuming fruit found on the ground or fruit that appears to have been partially eaten by animals
- Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals and during slaughter and culling procedures
- Practise good hand hygiene, particularly after caring for or visiting sick people
- Avoid close, unprotected contact with anyone infected with Nipah virus, including contact with their blood or body fluids
The UKHSA said: “If you develop symptoms while overseas in an endemic area, seek advice from a health professional immediately. If you develop symptoms after returning to the UK, contact your healthcare provider and make sure to mention your recent travel history.”
