Addressing the Nipah virus threat: A call for global vigilance and coordinated action

Abstract

The Nipah virus, classified by the World Health Organization as a priority pathogen due to its potential to cause epidemics, continues to present substantial challenges to public health systems with its episodic outbreaks and significant mortality rates. This zoonotic virus induces severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, often leading to multiorgan failure and high mortality. In India, the state of Kerala has become a focal point for NiV surveillance following repeated outbreaks that have highlighted the deadly impact of the virus and the urgent need for effective management strategies. Despite advances in diagnostics, the absence of specific treatments and vaccines complicates the effective management of these outbreaks. This article discusses the epidemiological trends, clinical challenges, and strategic imperatives for managing and preventing NiV. It highlights the ongoing transmission dynamics, including the genetic consistency of NiV that suggests a stable but continuously threatening viral reservoir in local bat populations. Moreover, the transmission mechanisms from fruit bats to humans, the pathogenesis within the human body, and the severe health outcomes resulting from infection have been discussed. The public health responses are essentially focused on surveillance, community engagement, and education, which are vital yet challenged by the lack of specific medical countermeasures. There is a need for global collaboration in research and public health preparedness to effectively address the challenges posed by NiV and promptly reduce the impact of future outbreaks.