One Health approach to Nipah virus prevention

Abstract

The Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal disease, resulting in a mortality rate of 75%. Outbreaks have been observed in southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India. As of September 24, 2023, 6 confirmed cases of the NiV had been reported, including 2 fatalities in the Kozhikode District in Northern Kerala, India. In January and February of 2023, this virus sparked an epidemic in Bangladesh. Bats are important hosts for zoonotic viruses such as the NiV, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and others; nevertheless, relatively little is known about the ecological determinants and dynamics of these viruses' propagation in their reservoir hosts. Therefore, this review assessed early detection, data integration, community awareness, and resource limitations. Moreover, it gives specific future directions, emphasizing the urgency of vaccine and antiviral development, genomic surveillance advancements, case studies, healthcare system reinforcement, and intensified global collaboration. By addressing these issues, the One Health approach emerges as a vital and proactive strategy for NiV prevention, ensuring comprehensive preparedness and response mechanisms against future outbreaks.