Following an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India's West Bengal state, concerns have been raised in parts of Asia.
While no cases have ever been found in the United Kingdom, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared some key information about what you should know about Nipah virus (NiV), 'a serious infectious disease that periodically causes outbreaks in parts of Asia'.
Following confirmation of two cases in West Bengal since December, India's health ministry said contacts of the infected individuals were 'identified, traced, monitored, and tested' and had been found to be asymptomatic.
The ministry said, per the BBC: "The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place."
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While no cases have yet been reported outside India, a number of nearby countries have been putting precautions in place.
Now, the health experts do assure that the risk to most people remains very low but they stress that understanding this virus is important if you are planning to travel to one of the areas where it circulates.
The UKHSA explains that Nipah virus, which was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, is a zoonotic virus, which means it can be spread from animals to humans.
Additionally, it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from human to human.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
The UKHSA notes that the 'incubation period (the time between becoming infected and symptoms appearing) is typically four to 21 days, though longer periods have occasionally been observed'.
Symptoms can include:
- Sudden onset of non-specific flu-like illness or fever
- Pneumonia and other respiratory problems may also develop
"The most serious complication is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, which typically develops three to 21 days after the initial illness begins. This is the hallmark of Nipah infection and is associated with a very high mortality rate," the health body warns.
It adds that Nipah virus has a high death range, estimated between 40 percent to 75 percent, as there is no vaccine or medicine to treat it.
The UKHSA notes: "Some survivors may be left with lasting neurological difficulties, including persistent seizures and personality changes. In rare cases, the virus can reactivate months or even years after the initial infection."
Where is Nipah virus found?
Human outbreaks of Nipah virus have only been identified in South and South-East Asia, mainly in rural or semi-rural locations.
Countries with previously reported outbreaks include:
- Bangladesh (where cases have occurred almost annually since 2001)
- India (including outbreaks in Kerala in Southern India since 2018, and a current outbreak in West Bengal)
- Malaysia
- The Philippines
- Singapore
How can you prevent Nipah virus spreading?
The UKHSA has detailed advice for anyone travelling to endemic areas, which includes:
- Avoid contact with bats and their environments, and sick animals
- Avoid eating raw or partially fermented date palm sap - if consuming date palm juice, make sure it's been boiled first
- Thoroughly wash all fruit with clean water and peel before eating; avoid consuming fruit found on the ground or fruit that appears to have been partially eaten by animals
- Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals and during slaughter and culling procedures
- Having good hand hygiene, especially after caring for or visiting sick people
- Avoid close, unprotected contact with anyone infected with Nipah virus, including contact with their blood or body fluids
The health body assures that the risk for tourists visiting endemic countries is 'very low if standard precautions are followed'.
"The risk may be higher for those participating in local practices such as date palm sap collection and consumption," it adds, recommending: "If you develop symptoms while overseas in an endemic area, seek advice from a health professional immediately.
"If you develop symptoms after returning to the UK, contact your healthcare provider and make sure to mention your recent travel history."
Rhiannon Ingle