A single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, the Nipah virus (NiV) is extremely pathogenic. Since 2001, it has caused numerous outbreaks in Bangladesh, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries. It is a common zoonotic disease that initially appeared among pig breeders in northern Peninsular Malaysia in 1998. Animals and humans can contract diseases caused by the Nipah virus. Fruit bats (genus Pteropus), commonly called flying foxes, are carriers of the Nipah virus.
Nipah was initially identified in 1999 due to an outbreak that affected humans and pigs in Malaysia and Singapore. Three hundred people were ill, and over a hundred of them passed away. The Nipah virus was first transmitted to pigs by bats in this early outbreak. Those who had direct contact with the diseased pigs also became ill. Only Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore have recorded Nipah outbreaks. To avoid complications and enhance patient outcomes, the review's conclusion highlights the significance of early diagnosis and control.