Nipha virus genus(henipavirus)
Nipah Virus Infection (NiV) is a viral zoonosis caused by Nipah virus of the genus Henipavirus in both animals and humans. It was first identified in fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, which are also the natural hosts of the virus. The symptoms start to appear within 3–14 days after exposure. Initial symptoms are fever, headache, drowsiness followed by disorientation and mental confusion. These symptoms can progress into coma as fast as in 24–48 hours. Encephalitis is the dreaded complication of nipah virus infection. Respiratory illness can also be present during the early part of the illness. There currently is no effective treatment for Nipah virus infection. The treatment is limited to supportive care.The risk of exposure is high for hospital workers and caretakers of those infected with the virus. In Malaysia and Singapore, Nipah virus infection occured in those with close contact to infected pigs. In Bangladesh and India, the disease has been linked to consumption of raw date palm sap (toddy) and contact with bats.