Nipah Symptoms: Nipah cases in India: Experts explain the sneaky symptoms, and deadly risks we are not aware of |

Two Nipah cases have been identified in India which has led to surveillance across the country and in adjoining places. Following the two confirmed Nipah cases, Indian health authorities have identified and tested over 190 contact persons. All samples from contact persons tested negative for the virus. “With new cases of Nipah virus infection being reported in India, it is not surprising that the general public is alarmed. Although NiVD is a rare disease, its high mortality rate (40%-75%) and periodic outbreaks make it a significant public health concern. From an infectious disease point of view, it is necessary to distinguish facts from fears and know how the virus is transmitted, how one can identify the onset of the disease in a person, and how to protect oneself from the virus without spreading fear,” says Dr. Mahesh Kumar Manohar Lakhe, infectious disease expert, Sahyadri Hospitals, Hadapsar. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, which implies that the virus can be transmitted from animals to humans. The natural reservoir of the virus is the fruit bat, which belongs to the Pteropus species. The virus is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and feces of the fruit bat. Humans can contract the virus by consuming fruits that are contaminated with the saliva of the fruit bat or by coming into contact with the infected animals, such as pigs. After a human is infected with the virus, there is limited human-to-human transmission of the virus, which takes place through direct contact with the body fluids of the infected person, especially in family and healthcare settings.On the recent Nipah cases, Dr. Niladri Sekhar Das, Associate Professor and Tuberculosis Lab in-charge, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani told TOI Health,”the two positive cases of Nipah virus infection identified in West Bengal, were initially tested at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) of the Indian Council of Medical Research at AIIMS Kalyani on January 11. As of late January, one patient has shown improvement while the other remains in critical care. Extensive contact tracing and testing of nearly 200 contacts have found no further infections, reflecting effective outbreak containment efforts. Unfortunately, since there are no licensed vaccines or specific antiviral therapy; treatment is primarily supportive care and strict infection control to prevent spread.”“Detection and diagnosis of NiV rely on laboratory testing, as its early symptoms mimic other viral diseases. The gold standard method is real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on samples such as blood, respiratory secretions, or cerebrospinal fluid. Additional assays like ELISA may be used to detect antibodies. Because clinical signs overlap with other febrile or neurological illnesses, accurate lab confirmation is essential for appropriate management and containment. Also some made-in-India, advanced RTPCR point-of-care chip based systems are capable of early detection of Nipah. Additionally enhanced surveillance and continual infection prevention measures are recommended in coordination with central and state health authorities to keep the spread in control,” he added on disease detection and surveillance.

Nipah symptoms are hard to detect

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Manohar Lakhe says the symptoms of Nipah virus infection, in the early stages, are often mild and non-specific. This makes it difficult to detect. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, sore throat, and vomiting. These symptoms are very similar to those of other viral infections. This often causes people to seek medical attention late. The incubation period is usually between four and fourteen days. However, it has been known to last longer.In some instances, the disease may progress very quickly and affect the central nervous system. “Nipah virus has a great affinity for causing encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. As the disease progresses, the patient may suffer from confusion, changes in mental status, severe lethargy, seizures, and in some instances, coma. There may also be respiratory problems such as breathing difficulties and pneumonia, which may result in severe illness and death. The rapid progression of the disease is one of the reasons why Nipah virus is so dangerous,” the doctor says.

Prevention is still the best way to protect oneself from the Nipah virus

“Avoiding the consumption of fruits that are potentially contaminated with bat viruses, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding direct contact with animals in infected areas are crucial in the prevention of the disease. People who experience fever followed by neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures should immediately consult a physician. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in preventing the spread of the disease,” Dr. Mahesh Kumar Manohar Lakhe urges. “Although the Nipah virus is a serious health threat, it is much more effective to act on informed awareness than on fear. With caution, responsible conduct, and a good public health system, the risk can be controlled,” he urges. Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr. Niladri Sekhar Das, Associate Professor and Tuberculosis Lab in-charge, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), KalyaniDr. Mahesh Kumar Manohar Lakhe, infectious disease expert, Sahyadri Hospitals, HadapsarInputs were used to explain the sneaky symptoms of Nipah virus and the deadly risks it has.