No Risk of Nipah Virus Spread in Armenia, Reports National Center for Disease Control

The Nipah virus is a newly recognized zoonotic disease (common to humans and animals), as reported by the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, referencing the World Health Organization.

The primary sources of the virus are bats and pigs. Humans can become infected by consuming fruit contaminated with saliva and urine from fruit bats, as well as when caring for infected animals, particularly pigs, and coming into contact with animal-derived raw materials. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with an infected person.

In recent years, outbreaks of the disease have been reported in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India. Countries considered at high risk for the spread of the virus include Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The incubation period for the disease typically lasts between 4-14 days. The disease can manifest in various forms:

• Asymptomatic
• Symptoms characteristic of acute respiratory illnesses
• Encephalitis
• Various neurological disorders

To avoid infection, it is recommended to:

1. Wash fruits thoroughly before consumption and avoid palm juice that has not undergone adequate heat treatment.
2. Only consume animal products that have been sufficiently heat processed.
3. Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
4. Maintain proper personal hygiene practices.
5. Use personal protective equipment when handling animals.

Taking into account that the primary carriers of the virus, fruit bats, are not prevalent in Armenia, the epidemiological risks of disease spread are low.