Transmission & risks
Animal → human
- Contact with infected animals (historically pigs; other animals possible)
- Exposure to fruit contaminated by bat saliva/urine
- Consumption of raw date palm sap (documented in some settings)
Human → human
Human-to-human transmission can occur, especially with close contact (household caregiving, healthcare settings) via respiratory secretions or other body fluids. Outbreaks have shown limited clusters rather than widespread community spread.
Risk perspective: “Screening” and “heightened surveillance” often reflect precaution and preparedness, not proof of uncontrolled spread.
Who is at higher risk during an outbreak?
- Close contacts of confirmed/suspected cases
- Healthcare workers without appropriate infection prevention and control
- People with direct exposure to bats/animal hosts or contaminated food products