Abstract

NIPAH VIRUS AN OVERVIEW

Mayuri K. Lonare*, Shraddha A. Lohakne and Poonam D. Taralkar

Abstract

Nipah virus, is a paramyxovirus related to the Hendra virus, first emerged in Malaysia in 1998. Clinical presentation ranges from the asymptomatic infection to fatal encephalitis. Malaysia has no more cases since 1999, but outbreaks continue to occur in the Bangladesh and India. In the Malaysia-Singapore outbreak, transmission occurred primarily through contact with pigs, whereas in Bangladesh and India, it is associated with ingestion of contaminated date palm sap and the human-to-human transmission. Bats are a main reservoir for this virus, which can cause of disease in humans and animals. There are currently no effective therapeutics, or supportive care and prevention are the main stays of management.

Keywords: Nipah, outbreaks, encephalitis.