2.6 Nipah Virus
There have been several outbreaks of this virus, including:
Malaysia
Figure 2.28: Spread of Virus from Pigs to Humans
In 1998, the outbreak had affected pigs and pig-farm workers before spreading to other pig farms (including those in Singapore). A total of 283 cases of encephalitis and 109 deaths were recorded; the transmission of the virus was due to close human contact with infected pigs.
Bangladesh
From 2010 to 2014, there were 18 clusters of Nipah virus infections. Eight patients died - among the 14 who were infected, eight of them drank fermented date sap that had been contaminated with bat feces.
India
On 19 May 2018, three people from a family died after contracting the virus. The fourth death was that of a healthcare worker who was caring for the infected family in the hospital.
An investigation found that bats were living in an abandoned water well on the family’s premises.
As of 28 May, 2018, further investigation revealed 15 more cases. Two patients were hospitalized and the rest died. At least 753 additional people (including healthcare workers) are under observation.
2.6.1 Transmission cycle of Nipah Virus
Figure 2.29: Transmission Cycle of the Nipah Virus