Concerns are mounting as a new viral outbreak has led countries to implement measures similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the dangers of a rapidly spreading virus for individuals and nations alike.
With memories of lockdowns and restrictions still fresh, it’s understandable why decisive actions are being taken following the spread of the deadly Nipah virus across Asia.
Initial concerns arose in early January when it was confirmed that individuals in West Bengal, India, had contracted this virus.
Two nurses became ill while on duty at a hospital between December 28 and 30. Both were admitted to intensive care on January 4.
By January 26, 100 individuals had been placed under quarantine.
After confirming at least five cases, Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have heightened their airport safety measures to curb the disease’s spread.
These precautions include temperature screenings, mandatory face masks, and social distancing efforts to limit transmission.
The Nipah virus, although not new, gained recognition in 1999 according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Unfortunately, there is no known cure or widely effective treatment, and it carries a daunting fatality rate of 40-75 percent.
Identified as a zoonotic virus, Nipah is transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats serving as its natural reservoir.
Despite existing knowledge about the virus, no treatment or vaccine is currently available for humans or animals, as stated by the WHO.
Thus, proactive measures to contain the spread are of utmost importance.
The WHO acknowledges the urgent need for accelerated research and development concerning the virus.
While bats are the primary carriers, the virus can also spread through pigs and other animals such as goats, horses, dogs, or cats.
Once in humans, the virus can be transmitted from person to person.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Nipah transmission occurs:
Infected individuals typically exhibit flu-like symptoms within four to 14 days of exposure.
This often leads to unintentional transmission, as individuals remain oblivious to their infection.
Common symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and sore throat.
In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, seizures, coma, and respiratory distress.
The most severe complication, which contributes to its high fatality rate, is encephalitis—a neurological condition involving brain swelling.
According to the WHO, those who survive acute encephalitis usually recover fully, though some may experience long-term neurological effects.