Nipah virus infection is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease.
Nipah virus has never been found in Australia. Outbreaks have only ever been reported in a small number of countries in South and South-East Asia.
Nipah virus is mainly spread by fruit bats and infected pigs. Person-to-person spread is rare.
Symptoms vary from no or mild flu-like illness to serious respiratory or neurological illness.
When travelling to countries where Nipah virus is detected, people should avoid contact with fruit bats and other animals and take precautions to prevent being exposed to the virus.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment to prevent or cure Nipah virus infection.
Nipah virus is carried by infected fruit bats and can spread to other animals, such as pigs and horses, and people to cause disease. Nipah virus infection is rare but can lead to serious illness and death.
The virus is found in South and South-East Asia. Outbreaks have only ever been recorded in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore and occur almost every year, particularly in Bangladesh and India.
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection
Nipah virus infection symptoms can vary from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness and brain inflammation (encephalitis). Some people have no symptoms.
Symptoms usually start within 4 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.
Some people develop pneumonia and other respiratory problems. In severe cases, people may develop brain inflammation (encephalitis) with symptoms and signs including:
Nipah virus infection leads to death in approximately 40% to 75% of infected people. Some people who recover from severe illness can then have long-term disability or complications.
Spread of Nipah virus
Nipah virus mainly spreads to people through:
contact with infected animals and their bodily fluids, especially fruit bats or pigs
consuming fruit or fruit products contaminated by fruit bats, such as raw date palm sap or partially eaten fruit.
Person-to-person spread is less common and occurs when there is close, prolonged contact with an infected person and their respiratory or bodily fluids, such as while caring for a sick infected person.
Risk factors for Nipah virus infection
You may be at higher risk of Nipah virus infection if you live in or travel to areas where Nipah virus is detected and:
have contact with potentially infected animals, especially fruit bats or pigs
consume raw or unprocessed foods that could be contaminated by fruit bats, such fruit or fruit products, especially date palm sap or juice
have contact with someone with Nipah virus infection without wearing personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, protective eyewear or mask.
Prevention of Nipah virus infection
It is important to take steps to reduce the risk of being exposed to Nipah virus. Before travelling overseas, regularly check the health advice on Smartraveller
If you are travelling to a country where Nipah virus occurs:
avoid contact with animals, especially fruit bats and pigs
avoid consuming raw date palm sap or juice
avoid eating fruit that may have been contaminated by animals
clean and peel any fruit before eating them
practice good hand washing, especially after contact with any animals, visiting people who are sick or after being out in public places
avoid contact with anyone who is sick and their body fluids
use personal protective equipment if required to care for anyone who is sick.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Nipah virus infection.
Diagnosis of Nipah virus infection
If you develop symptoms of Nipah virus infection after returning from a country where Nipah virus is detected, you should seek urgent medical care.
Diagnosis of Nipah virus infection is confirmed by testing bodily fluid.
Treatment of Nipah virus infection
There is no specific treatment for Nipah virus infection. Treatment is supportive and aimed at managing symptoms and any complications.
People with serious illness usually require hospital admission. Early diagnosis and good supportive medical care can improve health outcomes.
