Outbreaks have occurred exclusively in Southeast Asian countries, and initial symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat
Amid the global alert regarding the Nipah virus, the Ministry of Health reassured Brazilians by informing that the virus is not a threat to Brazil. “Given the current scenario, there is no indication of risk for the Brazilian population. Health authorities continue to monitor continuously, in alignment with international organizations,” said the agency.
“In Brazil, the Ministry of Health maintains permanent protocols for surveillance and response to highly pathogenic agents”, they add, informing that it maintains coordination with reference institutions such as the Evandro Chagas Institute and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), in addition to the participation of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
O however, there is no record of the virus circulating outside of Southeast Asia, which makes the . The recent outbreak recorded in India had two confirmed cases, both among healthcare professionals, and no evidence of international spread or risk to the Brazilian population.
History
Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and is a zoonotic infection transmitted from animals that can be transmitted from person to person or contaminated food, according to the World Health Organization (OMS).
Outbreaks have occurred exclusively in Southeast Asian countries, and initial symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat. The condition can progress to dizziness, drowsiness, mental confusion.
In more serious cases, the person can develop acute respiratory illness up to convulsions and encephalitis (inflammation in the brain), which can lead to a coma for 24 to 48 hours.
Nipah transmission is zoonotic, associated mainly with fruit bats — species that do not exist in Brazil. Infection can occur through ingestion of contaminated food or, more rarely, through direct contact between people or contaminated surfaces.
