Latest update (27 Jan 2026): Airport screening reported in parts of Asia for travelers arriving from West Bengal, India. No evidence of widespread community transmission. Measures are precautionary.

Causes of severe illness and death

  • Encephalitis / meningoencephalitis – primary cause of mortality in many outbreaks
  • Respiratory failure – acute lung involvement in some cases
  • Multi‑organ dysfunction – including renal and hepatic involvement
  • Sepsis‑like systemic inflammatory response

Post‑viral and long‑term effects

Survivors may experience persistent or delayed neurological complications, including:

  • Cognitive impairment and memory difficulties
  • Seizure disorders
  • Personality or behavioral change
  • Relapsing or late‑onset encephalitis (reported months to years later)

These sequelae are conceptually similar to post‑viral syndromes described after infections such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and some post‑COVID neurological syndromes.

NipahVirusRisks.com
Plain-language, evidence-based information
Emergency numbers → Anonamed

Treatment & outcomes

Treatment approach

There is no universally approved, specific antiviral therapy for Nipah virus infection. Management is primarily supportive care (e.g., airway/ventilation support, seizure management, intensive monitoring).

Outcomes

Case fatality varies by outbreak and context. Survivors of encephalitis may have residual neurological issues. Public health response focuses on early detection, infection prevention, and supportive care capacity.

Mortality (context)

Authoritative sources commonly cite an estimated case fatality range of 40–75%, varying by outbreak and clinical capacity.

Important context: a high case fatality rate does not automatically imply easy spread; transmission is typically limited to close contact settings.