Nipah virus is a rare but potentially deadly virus that can spread from animals to humans — and in some cases, between people.
When and where was it discovered?
- First identified in 1998 during an outbreak on pig farms in Malaysia
- Initially mistaken for Japanese encephalitis before being confirmed as a new virus
How does it spread?
- From animals to humans (mainly fruit bats, but also pigs and other animals)
- Through contaminated food (such as fruit or palm sap exposed to bat secretions)
- Through close contact with bodily fluids of an infected person
- Human-to-human spread is possible but not highly efficient
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can appear 3–14 days after exposure (sometimes up to 45 days):
- Fever, headache, fatigue
- Cough, difficulty breathing
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Confusion or drowsiness
Severe cases can cause brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures, coma and death.
How deadly is it?
- Fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%
- About 20% of survivors may experience long-term neurological problems
- Some infections can be asymptomatic
Is there a treatment or vaccine?
- No approved vaccine or antiviral treatment
- Care is supportive, often in intensive care units
- Several vaccines are currently under development
How common is Nipah virus?
- Considered extremely rare
- Mostly reported in Bangladesh, India, and occasionally other parts of Asia
- Experts say it is far less contagious than COVID-19, measles or influenza
Is there a risk to Canada?
- Nipah virus has never been detected in Canada
- Current outbreaks are being closely monitored, with quarantines and airport screening in affected regions