EXPLAINER: Here's what you need to know about the deadly Nipah virus

The Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India has caused global concern, especially in its neighboring countries.

According to BBC, two cases have been recorded in the eastern state since December. The health ministry of India said nearly 200 individuals who were linked to the confirmed cases tested negative for NiV, assuring the public that the virus outbreak has been contained and that the situation is now “under constant monitoring.”

Various countries in Asia have ramped up airport screenings for those who are coming from India. Per BBC, Thailand has started screening passengers in three airports in Bangkok and Phuket with arrivals from West Bengal, while Nepal is now doing the same at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India. The media outlet also reported that Taiwan health officials have suggested classifying NiV as a Category 5 disease, which would make it one of the “emerging or rare infections with major public health risks that require immediate reporting and special control measures.”

Nipah virus was first recognized in Malaysia in 1999 and then in Bangladesh in 2001, according to the World Health Organization. While there have only been "a few known outbreaks" in Asia in the past, the WHO noted that it's a public health concern since it "infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people."

Here's what you need to know about NiV.

Nipah virus: What it is and how it spreads

In a media release sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Department of Health Asec. Albert Domingo said Nipah virus is a "zoonotic virus," which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It usually spreads through bats as well as pigs and horses.

Dr. Arthur Dessi Roman, the president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, warned that the virus is "highly deadly," with a 40-75% fatality rate.

It usually starts with fever, followed by headache, muscle pain (myalgia), vomiting, and sore throat. But one may also develop severe symptoms such as drowsiness and altered consciousness, agitation, confusion, and seizures.

“When it involves the lungs, it causes severe pneumonia and severe respiratory distress, presenting as low oxygen and difficulty in breathing. Patients would sometimes need a respirator,” he told L!fe, adding that it can also cause swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and meningitis.

It's possible, however, to get infected with the virus and show no symptoms at all.

Is there a cure?

There's no available vaccine or medication for NiV so far—only intensive supportive care is being done for treatment, even in severe cases.

For now, it's best to know how you can stay safe from it.

The DOH suggested avoiding close contact with bats and other sick animals.

Roman also highlighted the importance of general hygiene, including washing your hands regularly.

Safe food consumption is likewise a must. "Make sure your food is clean before eating it," he said.

The health agency advised buying meat approved by the National Meat Inspection Service and cooking it thoroughly.

Is the DOH prepared?

According to the DOH, the Nipah virus is no longer new to the Philippines. It was detected in Sultan Kudarat in 2014, where 17 cases were reported. "The symptoms were flu, but some also had swelling of the brain and meningitis," said Domingo. "These were acquired by eating horse meat and being in contact with a sick person."

No cases have been recorded in the country since, but the DOH assured the public that it's prepared in case the virus spreads in the Philippines again. "The DOH continues to monitor it through the Epidemiology Bureau," Domingo noted. He also mentioned that the health agency released updated guidelines on the Nipah virus in 2023, which include information on biosafety considerations, collection of samples, and diagnosis.

"Patuloy po ang pagbantay ng DOH Bureau of Quarantine sa lahat ng paliparan at pantalan, 24 oras, may Nipah virus news man o wala," the DOH official said.