The Department of Health is currently inundated with media and public enquiries about the outbreak of Nipah virus, also known as NiV, which was detected in India with two positive cases confirmed.
There is no immediate risk to South Africa, and there is no need for the public to panic. The Department is working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which is closely monitoring the situation as the outbreak evolves and will keep the public informed of any new developments.
The scientists have advised that, at this stage, there is a very low risk outside the affected countries and there is no need for screening at ports of entry. Meanwhile, the NICD will be offering training to the Civil Aviation Authority as part of efforts to assist in communicating the message through the airlines and airport staff.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, usually transmitted from animals like bats to humans, but can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. The virus is not currently specified specifically as a notifiable medical condition, but will be categorised as a respiratory disease of unknown origin, which is notifiable. Laboratory testing is available at the NICD, and key resources have been updated to include current outbreak specifics.
Transmission of this deadly virus to humans can occur from direct contact with infected animals like bats, farming animals such as pigs or horses, and by consuming fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated by infected fruit bats. Some symptoms of the Nipah virus include fever, headache, difficulty breathing, or cough.
According to the World Health Organization, there is currently no treatment or vaccine available for this virus; however, several candidate products are under development. Early intensive supportive care can improve survival. This means that non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hygiene practices remain one of the most effective prevention methods to reduce the spread of the virus.
People can reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission by wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling sick animals such as pigs or horses, and during slaughtering and culling procedures.
