The Nipah Virus Infection: A Narrative Review

Literature Review

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a zoonotic disease causing recurring outbreaks since 1998. Nipah virus is highly contagious, responsible for high morbidity and mortality, and has the potential to become a pandemic. World Health Organization (WHO) has put this zoonotic disease on its priority pathogen list. Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans directly from bats or through an intermediary animal. It primarily affects the respiratory system and central nervous system acutely and is rapidly progressive. The case fatality rate of Nipah virus infection is high, ranging from 40% to 75%. Nipah virus infection causes acute, rapidly progressing problems, particularly in the respiratory system and the central nervous system. Within 6 months after acute infection, some cases have persistent neurological and psychiatric symptoms, which include fatigue, neurological problems, and depression. To date, no clinically approved antivirals and vaccines are available to treat NiV infection to date. This narrative review explores the latest updates on Nipah virus infection to help prepare effective strategies to prevent transmission of the Nipah virus.