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Novel Nipah Virus Infection Prevention Measures
Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning that it is transmitted from animal to human. The flying foxes or fruit bats are the natural reservoir of Nipah virus. Human to human transmission is also possible. Nipah virus has been identified first in 1999 in Malaysia. Regular epidemic outbreaks occur in Bangladesh and India. Mid-January in eastern India, 5 cases of contamination have been confirmed resulting in the quarantine of approximately a hundred individuals. Nipah Virus is a major concern for Health authorities due to its ability to infect multiple animal species and because the mortality rate for humans is between 40% and 75%. As infection control specialists, we support health care settings in implementing the infection prevention measures.
GENUS
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Nipah virus or Henipavirusnipahense.
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Enveloped virus with RNA genome from the Paramyxoviridae family.
TRANSMISSION
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Human-to-human transmission via direct contact (hands) or airborne exposure to contaminated droplets.
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Transmission may also occur via contact with infected animals.
SYMPTOMS
Asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection, or neurologic disease. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, cough, respiratory discomfort, and encephalitis.
INCUBATION
4 to 14 days
VACCINE
No specific treatment or vaccines available.
RECOMMENDED EFFICIENCY
Virucidal activity against enveloped viruses according to standard EN 14476 on vaccinia virus.
Infection Prevention Measures
FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS – REINFORCED STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
- Hand hygienewith an alcohol-based hand rub (if hands are visually clean and dry) with a level of compliance
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):surgical mask or FFP2 mask, protective glasses in case of contact with contaminated patients, gloves and apron for close contact with patient (ex: washing…) and body fluids.
- Surface disinfection with products active against enveloped viruses.
- Proper waste and textile management.
FOR ALL PATIENTS
Hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
FOR SUSPECTED PATIENTS (cough + fever)
- Wear a surgical mask, use alcohol-based hand rub.
- Place patients in a pre-identified individual isolation room.
- Strong infection prevention measures remain essential to protect patients and healthcare workers, and Ecolab is committed to supporting healthcare professionals at every step of their infectious disease prevention journey.