Nipah Virus
Nipah Virus is a serious and deadly virus that spreads through fruit bats. It can then affect other animals such as pigs and enter the human body. This virus is contagious and can spread from person to person, making it important to prevent close contact and avoid bodily fluids from infected people.
​
The virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and is most common in Asian countries such as Singapore, Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia. However, there is a potential that the virus can spread to other Southeast Asian countries. Symptoms usually begin to appear 4–14 days after contact with the virus.
Symptoms
Small clues, big meaning.
Severe cases of the Nipah virus can cause symptoms like seizures, respiratory illness, and coma. This virus is difficult to control because it is airborne, meaning it can spread through the air when an infected person sneezes. In some individuals, the virus can remain dormant and symptoms appear only months or years later. Because of this, long-term effects may include personality changes and neurological conditions.
Did You Know?
Huntington's Disease Quick Facts
-
Nipah virus is found in animals but it has also been reported in humans
-
The virus has a high fatality rate of 40-75 percent
-
Spreads from bats to other animals and then enters humans
-
Is contagious and can spread through bodily fluids
-
There is currently no vaccine or medication available
-
Found mainly in Asia (Bangladesh and India)
-
Latest outbreaks of the virus were reported in 2026
Testing for Nipah Virus:
Healthcare providers will ask about the locations you have visited and if you were in contact with areas where the virus is common. Then, they will use bodily fluids (such as urine samples, blood samples, and nasal swabs) to conduct a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the virus is present.