NIH

Zebra of the Week: Nipah virus disease

February 5, 2026

Nipah virus disease is a rare but severe zoonotic viral infection caused by the Nipah virus, capable of producing acute febrile illness with prominent neurologic involvement. The disease is characterized by fever and constitutional symptoms, with frequent progression to encephalitis and, in some cases, lower respiratory tract involvement.

Affected individuals may present with acute onset of fever followed by altered mental status, focal neurologic deficits, or clinical features consistent with encephalitis. Respiratory involvement may also occur, contributing to disease severity. Infection may occur in any age group, with substantial interindividual variability in clinical course.

Source:

(Accessed 2026, January 30). NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). Nipah virus disease. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/19689/nipah-virus-disease