The disease caused by the Nipah virus is an emerging zoonotic infection that can affect both humans and animals, according to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The primary sources of infection are bats and pigs. Humans may become infected by consuming fruits or palm sap contaminated with saliva or urine from fruit bats, as well as through close contact with infected animals, particularly pigs, or exposure to raw animal products.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with an infected individual.
In recent years, outbreaks of the disease have been reported in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India. Countries considered to be at higher risk for the spread of the virus include Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand.
The incubation period typically lasts between 4 and 14 days. The disease may present in different forms, including:
asymptomatic infection,
symptoms similar to acute respiratory illnesses,
encephalitis,
various neurological disorders.
To reduce the risk of infection, the following preventive measures are recommended:
Thoroughly wash fruits before consumption and avoid palm sap that has not undergone proper heat treatment.
Consume only animal-based food products that have been adequately heat-treated.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
Follow personal hygiene practices.
Use personal protective equipment when caring for animals.
Considering that fruit bats—the main carriers of the virus—are not widespread in Armenia, the epidemiological risk of the disease spreading within the country is considered low.
