Question

Discuss the mode of transmission and the symptoms of Nipah viral infection.

Answer 1

Nipah virus can spread to people from:

• Direct contact with infected animals, such as bats or pigs, or their body fluids (such as blood, urine or saliva)
• Consuming food products that have been contaminated by body fluids of infected animals (such as fruit contaminated by an infected bat).
  (1 mark)

Infected people initially develop symptoms including fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, and altered consciousnes.In severe cases the infection can lead to fatal encephalitis.
(2 marks)