Review

Nipah virus: A looming global health challenge

Volume: 65 Number: 1 March 9, 2026
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Nipah virus: A looming global health challenge

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) outbreaks have garnered global attention due to their potential for devastating consequences on public health. Following two recent deaths from Nipah virus infection in Kerala in 2025, and considering the overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 69.4% reported in India to date, this review article presents a comprehensive analysis of NiV outbreaks, covering their historical background, epidemiology, transmission patterns, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, preventive strategies, and current research advancements. Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, poses a persistent threat to various regions, especially in Southeast Asia. Through a critical examination of past outbreaks and the lessons learned, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of Nipah virus and enhance preparedness and response efforts for future outbreaks.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Infectious Diseases , Medical Virology , General Practice

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

March 9, 2026

Submission Date

April 3, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 22, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 65 Number: 1

Vancouver
1.Mohsina Shaik, Girish Jeer, Raika Durusoy, Pragnya Manaswini Durgavajjala, Siva Santosh Kumar Pentapati. Nipah virus: A looming global health challenge. EJM. 2026 Mar. 1;65(1):185-93. doi:10.19161/etd.1669468

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