How is Nipah virus different from Covid-19?

In the southern Indian state of Kerala, a unique and challenging situation has emerged, with health authorities battling not one, but two distinct viral infections: the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and a resurgence of the Nipah virus. While these infections may seem similar at first glance, they are vastly different in several key aspects.

Origin and transmission:

Nipah virus, discovered in 1999 in Malaysia, is a zoonotic infection, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. It is believed to be maintained in nature by fruit bats, with various other animals acting as potential hosts. In contrast, the exact origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, remain uncertain, with debates about whether it originated in a wet market or a laboratory continuing.

Treatment:

Neither Nipah nor Covid-19 has a specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care is the primary approach for both, focusing on alleviating symptoms and providing hydration. However, research is ongoing, and monoclonal antibodies are being explored for Nipah virus treatment. In contrast, Remdesivir, a repurposed drug, received FDA approval for treating Covid-19 in 2020, but no specific antiviral drug has been licensed to date.

Transmission and fatality rates:

Nipah virus has a relatively low transmission rate (R0) and a high fatality rate, ranging from 45% to 70%, based on previous outbreaks in Kerala. On the other hand, Covid-19 has demonstrated high transmissibility, with fluctuating R0 values. However, its overall mortality rate is below 1%, with most cases resulting in mild to moderate respiratory illness.

Symptoms:

Covid-19 exhibits a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, loss of smell, and more. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of cases are mild or asymptomatic. In contrast, Nipah virus infection in humans presents with initial symptoms such as fever, headaches, vomiting, and sore throat, progressing to severe respiratory issues and acute encephalitis. Severe cases can lead to a coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Global attention and spread:

Despite its devastating impact in localized outbreaks, the Nipah virus has not received the same global attention as Covid-19. Covid-19 has spread to 221 countries and territories worldwide, with millions of confirmed cases. In contrast, Nipah virus outbreaks have primarily occurred in limited regions of Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and India.

Diagnosis:

Both viruses are diagnosed using molecular techniques, with real-time RT-PCR being the preferred method due to its high sensitivity. However, viral mutations can affect test sensitivity.

Also read: Untraceable virus causing ‘unnatural’ deaths in India? Know early symptoms, treatment, how its spread