The mention of the Nipah virus (NiV) has recently sparked questions and concerns across the archipelago, following reports of 5 confirmed NiV cases in West Bengal, India. While no cases have been reported outside India to date, neighboring countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have begun implementing extra measures. Here’s a closer look at what Nipah is and how it actually spreads.

What is the Nipah virus, and why is it dangerous?

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans. It’s closely related to the measles virus and is particularly concerning due to fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the strain. Survivors may experience long-term neurological effects, including persistent seizures or changes in personality. The virus first made headlines in 1999, when it caused outbreaks among pigs and people in Malaysia and Singapore.

How does the virus spread from animals to humans?

Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are the primary hosts of the NiV. Roaming across Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia, these bats can spread the virus far and wide. Humans can become infected in several ways:

• Direct contact. Touching infected bats or pigs (and occasionally horses or dogs).
• Contaminated food. Eating fruits or drinking raw date palm sap that has been soiled with bat saliva or urine.

Can the virus spread from person to person?

Yes, the NiV can spread through close contact with the respiratory droplets, blood, or urine of someone who is infected. Most cases of person-to-person transmission occur among family members or healthcare workers caring for patients.

What are the specific symptoms of a Nipah infection?

After exposure, symptoms can appear between 4 and 21 days later. Some people have only mild breathing problems, but others can develop severe trouble breathing or even brain inflammation. Early symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Cough

Is there a vaccine or a specific treatment available?

Right now, there’s no approved vaccine or specific antiviral medicine for NiV. Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and symptom management, especially for people with severe illness.

How can you prevent infection in your daily life?

If you are traveling to or living in a place where Nipah outbreaks have happened, you should:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid contact with flying fox bats or sick pigs.
• Avoid areas where bats roost.
• Avoid touching anything that bats could soil.
• Avoid eating raw date palm sap or fruit that could be soiled by bats.
• Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals and during slaughter and culling procedures.
• Avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of someone with Nipah.

What is the Philippines doing to monitor and prevent an outbreak?

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted millions of Filipinos, which is why many remain cautious about a potential repeat of such a crisis. However, the Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that the Nipah virus is ‘rare,’ noting that it was last detected in the country in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat, where 17 cases were recorded.

“The DOH is ready for the Nipah virus and other diseases. In fact, this is not new to us,” said DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.

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