Management of Nipah Virus Infection: Current Guidelines and Supportive Care Strategies
🦠 What Is Nipah Virus? Nipah virus (NiV) is a rare but severe zoonotic infection caused by a henipavirus. It can cause fever, respiratory illness, and encephalitis (brain inflammation) with a high case-fatality rate (often 40–75 %). 💊 1. No Specific First-Line Antiviral Approved As of the most recent clinical guidance: ✅ There is no specific, licensed antiviral drug or cure for Nipah virus infection. No medication or vaccine has been formally approved for treating NiV in humans. ✅ Treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic care. This supportive care is considered the mainfirst-line approach for patients with confirmed or suspected NiV: Hospitalization in isolation. Adequate hydration and nutrition. Antipyretics (fever reducers) and pain management. Respiratory support: supplemental oxygen, careful ventilation if needed. Management of complications like encephalitis, seizures or shock in an ICU setting if required. 👉 Early and intensiv...