The Nipah virus is a high-risk zoonotic infectious disease primarily hosted by fruit bats, classified as a Class 1 statutory infectious disease with a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75%. This article provides a detailed explanation of the Nipah virus’s symptoms, transmission routes, response status in Korea, and prevention methods based on official agency data. Please check official announcements for the latest policy changes.
What is Nipah Virus
Nipah virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, first identified in Malaysia in 1998. It occurs sporadically mainly in South Asian regions such as India and Bangladesh, and no patient cases have been reported domestically yet.
This virus is classified as a Risk Group 4 pathogen, and in September 2025, it was designated as a Class 1 statutory infectious disease, mandating immediate reporting and isolation measures upon patient occurrence. The designation is due to its high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission.
Main Symptoms and Progression
In the early stages of Nipah virus infection, nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and cough appear. The incubation period is usually 4 to 18 days, and it can last up to 2 months.
Subsequently, respiratory and neurological symptoms can rapidly worsen, progressing to dizziness, altered consciousness, convulsions, and encephalitis, with some patients falling into a coma within 24 to 48 hours. Approximately 20% of survivors experience relapse or long-term neurological sequelae.
The fatality rate for patients showing symptoms is reported to be 40 to 75%, which may vary depending on the region and epidemic situation. Please follow the diagnostic criteria of official agencies for accurate diagnosis.
Transmission Routes and Infection Risks
Nipah virus is mainly transmitted through the saliva of fruit bats or contaminated food (e.g., raw date palm sap). Human-to-human transmission is also possible through direct contact with intermediate host animals such as pigs, or exposure to droplets and body fluids from infected individuals.
In Korea, there are no domestic influx cases, but there is a high risk of animal contact when visiting outbreak countries like India and Bangladesh. Reporting symptoms such as fever during airport quarantine is essential.
The main host of Nipah virus is fruit bats, with transmission routes including ingestion of food contaminated with bat saliva, animal contact, and human-to-human droplet transmission. High-risk areas are South Asia such as India and Bangladesh, and as of February 2026, there are no patient cases domestically.
Treatment and Vaccine Status
There are currently no specific treatments or preventive vaccines developed for Nipah virus. Intensive supportive therapy and symptomatic treatment are mainly administered, and while antiviral agents such as ribavirin have shown some effects in certain studies, they are not standard treatments.
Upon patient occurrence, isolation and epidemiological investigation take priority, and treatment guidelines may be updated according to policies. Please check official notices for the latest treatment information.
Domestic Response and Legal Status in Korea
In September 2025, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency newly designated Nipah virus infection as a Class 1 infectious disease and quarantine infectious disease. This is the first case since COVID-19, imposing an immediate reporting obligation on medical institutions.
Visitors to outbreak countries must pre-report symptoms through the Q-CODE system, and domestic monitoring has been strengthened. Policy changes will be announced through official releases.
Precautions When Visiting Outbreak Countries
- Avoid direct contact with animals (bats, pigs).
- Refrain from consuming potentially contaminated food.
- Maintain thorough hand hygiene.
Nipah Virus Prevention Guidelines
The core of prevention is personal hygiene and minimizing exposure. Frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, and avoiding animal contact are recommended in outbreak areas. Thorough quarantine is crucial due to the absence of vaccines.
Institutions recommend Biosafety Level 4 facilities for aerosol-generating work, but for the general public, adherence to travel guidelines is key. Check annual policy updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fatality rate of Nipah virus?
It is reported to be 40 to 75% for patients showing symptoms, with possible differences by region. Please refer to official statistics for accurate figures.
Is there a risk of Nipah virus infection in Korea?
There have been no domestic cases to date, but it is managed as a Class 1 infectious disease in preparation for overseas influx. Follow prevention guidelines when traveling.
How to cope without specific treatments?
Symptomatic treatment and supportive therapy are the mainstay. If suspected, visit a medical institution immediately and follow reporting procedures.
What is the status of vaccine development?
There are no commercialized vaccines currently. Development research may be ongoing, but confirm through official announcements.
Essential Checks Before Applying Nipah Virus-Related Matters
Before utilizing Nipah virus-related information, please directly verify the following through official government agencies or public institution homepages.
- Class 1 infectious disease designation criteria and reporting obligations.
- List of outbreak countries and latest travel advisories.
- Detailed regulations on diagnosis and isolation procedures.
- Annual updates to prevention guidelines.
Final Confirmation Guide for Nipah Virus Response
Based on your understanding of Nipah virus, prioritize checking official announcements when planning travel. Visit a medical institution without delay if symptoms occur, and respond flexibly to policy changes. Continuous monitoring of public institutions is the key to safety.