Key facts

Nipah virus is a serious, sometimes deadly, viral disease

This relatively recent disease – it only emerged in 1998 – is spread by fruit bats (also known as flying foxes) to humans and animals

Nipah virus can be spread from person to person through close contact

Outbreaks occur in parts of Asia, often in Bangladesh and India

The case fatality rate is estimated at 40 to 75 per cent

Overview

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is carried by fruit bats (flying foxes) of the genus Pteropus which are found throughout south east Asia. Nipah can also be spread through contaminated food or directly between people. The virus can cause a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.…