The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.
Here are some key points about the Nipah virus:
Origin and Transmission Natural Hosts: Fruit bats, particularly the Pteropus species, are the natural hosts of the Nipah virus. Transmission to Humans: Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with infected bats, pigs, or humans. Consumption of food products contaminated with the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats, such as raw date palm sap, can also lead to infection.
Symptoms Incubation Period: The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days but can extend up to 45 days. Early Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. Severe Symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and acute encephalitis (brain inflammation). Some patients may also experience respiratory symptoms during the early part of the illness.
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