Public Health Advisory: Nipah Virus

Posted On: February 5, 2026

What is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food and, in some cases, from person to person. Human infections range from mild or no symptoms to severe respiratory illness and fatal brain inflammation (encephalitis). The estimated fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, depending on outbreak conditions and access to medical care.

Fruit bats (family Pteropodidae) are the natural hosts of the virus. Nipah has caused outbreaks mainly in parts of South and Southeast Asia and is considered a serious public health concern due to its severity and lack of specific treatment or vaccine.

How Does Nipah Virus Spread?

Animal-to-human: Direct contact with infected animals such as pigs, or their bodily fluids.

Food-borne: Consumption of food contaminated by fruit bats (e.g. raw date palm sap, unwashed fruits).

Human-to-human: Close contact with infected individuals, especially caregivers and healthcare settings.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms usually appear 4–14 days after exposure (in rare cases, up to 45 days) and may include:

Fever, headache, muscle pain

Vomiting, sore throat

Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion

Severe cases: breathing difficulties, seizures, encephalitis, coma

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potential exposure should seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment and Vaccination

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Nipah virus. Care is supportive and focused on managing symptoms and complications. WHO has identified Nipah virus as a priority disease for urgent research and development.

What We Urge Our Community to Do

To reduce the risk of infection, students, staff, and visitors are strongly advised to:

Practice good food hygiene: Wash and peel fruits thoroughly; avoid consuming raw or unpasteurised fruit products.

Avoid contact with sick animals, especially pigs, and do not handle animal carcasses.

Maintain good personal hygiene: Wash hands regularly, especially after caring for unwell individuals.

Wear a mask when appropriate: Use a mask in crowded or enclosed settings if you are feeling unwell, have respiratory symptoms, or are caring for someone who is sick. This helps reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission.

Avoid close, unprotected contact with anyone showing symptoms of serious respiratory illness or encephalitis.

Seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop after potential exposure.

Our Commitment

Birmingham Academy takes the health and safety of our community seriously. We will continue to monitor updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant authorities and will share verified information as needed. We encourage everyone to stay informed, practise good hygiene, and avoid unnecessary panic while remaining vigilant.

For further information, please refer to official guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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