Abstract:

Summary Nipah virus (NiV) is a member of the Henipavirus family of Paramyxoviridae. It was first isolated in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore among pig farmers and people in close contact with pigs during encephalitis and respiratory disease epidemic. Pteropus species fruit wounds take the role of a reservoir. Infected wounds, infected pigs or other people infected with NiV can be infected directly after contact with people. Human infections can vary from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection and to lethal encephalitis. In infected people, symptoms like flu can be seen at first, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and throat pain. After that, neurological findings that show headaches, insomnia, awareness changes and acute encephalitis can be added. Some people may experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute breathing disorders. Encephalitis and attacks occur in severe cases. The initial signs and symptoms of Nipah viral infection are unspesific and diagnosis is often not suspicious. The diagnosis is more clinically placed but the main tests used on the basis of the laboratory are the body fluids with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-related immunosorbent test (ELISA). There is currently no special treatment and vaccine available and support treatment is recommended. Nipah virus infection can be prevented by avoiding the exposure to the patient in endemic areas of pigs and grapes and by not drinking raw grape water. With comprehensive studies on this subject, the diagnosis of the disease and prevention of epidemics can not be left behind and the finding of new treatments and vaccines for this deadly pathogen can be achieved. Today, taking into account the conditions of transportation and the transmission of the virus among humans, it is necessary to be cautious outside the endemic areas, to raise awareness of this and to educate people on the measures that can be taken to reduce exposure. Keywords: Nipah, Henipah, the virus. Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) is a member of the genus Henipavirus from Paramyxoviridae family. It was first isolated in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore during an encephalitis and respiratory disease outbreak among pig farmers and people in close contact with pigs. Pteropus genus fruit bats play a reservoir role. Infection can be seen in humans after direct contact with infected bats, infected pigs or other NiV-infected persons. Human infections can range from asymptomatic infections to acute respiratory tract infections and lethal encephalitis. Infected people may initially have influenza-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and sore throat. Neurological findings with dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and acute encephalitis can then be added. Some people may have atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases. The initial signs and symptoms of Nipah virus infection are non-specific and are usually not suspected. Diagnosis is mostly done clinically but it is the main laboratory-based test that detects antibodies from body fluids using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Currently there is no specific treatment or vaccination and supporting care is recommended. Nipah virus infection can be prevented in patients with endemic areas avoiding pig and bat exposure and not drinking raw palm sap. Comprehensive studies to be undertaken in this area will not only help to prevent diseases and epidemics, but also provide new treatments and vaccines for this deadly pathogen. Today, given the transport conditions and the transmission of human interactions between viruses, care must be taken outside of the endemic areas, awareness must be set in this regard and people should be educated about precautions that may be taken to reduce exposure. Keywords: Nipah, Henipah, virus.

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