Nipah Virus- A Rapidly Emerging Zoonoses: A Mini Review

Abstract

Nipah virus is one of the deadliest viruses of Paramyxoviridae family, of the order Mononegavirales. The virus is harbored by
Pteropus fruit bats and transmitted to pigs via partially eaten fruits or direct exposure to infectious bat secretions. Viral determinants that contribute to Nipah virus infection include V and W proteins where W protein plays a more prominent role. It is Known for causing severe and rapidly progressive encephalitis and thus classified among BSL-4 organisms due to its high mortality rate and lack of vaccines and drugs. Due to wide spread primary host the potential for outbreaks to occur in new regions remains significant and suggests a serious potential for larger epidemics in the future. Therefore proper management and preventive measures are needed to be implemented by health care workers, as well as at the government level.