NIPAH VIRUS: AN EMERGING ZOONOTIC THREAT-A REVIEW

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus belonging to the genus Henipavirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. Since its first identification during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998–1999, NiV has caused repeated outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India. The virus is transmitted from natural reservoir hosts, fruit bats (Pteropus species), to humans either directly or through intermediate animal hosts, contaminated food sources, or human-to-human transmission. Clinically, NiV infection ranges from mild febrile illness to severe respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis, with case fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%. The absence of specific antiviral therapy or licensed vaccines underscores the importance of early diagnosis, supportive management, and preventive public health strategies. This review summarizes the virology, epidemiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prevention of Nipah virus infection.