Nipah virus

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted to humans from animals, particularly fruit bats and pigs. It was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 during an outbreak of encephalitis and respiratory illness among pig farmers. The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as confusion and coma. In severe cases, it can lead to encephalitis and death.

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Nipah virus, and outbreaks are typically managed by supportive care and infection control measures. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to infected animals or their body fluids. Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred in several countries in South and Southeast Asia, and there is concern about the potential for the virus to cause larger outbreaks in the future.