Health Updates Webinar #274 “Paano ba nahahawa sa Nipah virus?” Is it really a new threat?

The University of the Philippines,
in partnership with the UP Manila – National Institutes of Health,
and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital and UP College of Medicine,
would like to invite you to attend this webinar!

Registration slots are limited to this HEALTH UPDATES webinar
So sign up NOW:
bit.ly/HealthUpdatesWebinar274

Webinar #274
February 20, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 noon
“Paano Ba Nahahawa sa Nipah Virus?”
Is It Really A New Threat?

Presenter:
DR. JOSEPH ADRIAN L. BUENSALIDO
Infectious Diseases Specialist and Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Medicine, UP College of Medicine and
UP – Philippine General Hospital

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Webinar #274
February 20, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 noon
“Paano Ba Nahahawa sa Nipah Virus?”
Is It Really A New Threat?

The persistent emergence and sporadic re-emergence of highly pathogenic zoonotic agents necessitate a vigilant and informed healthcare frontline. Among these, the Nipah virus (NiV), a member of the genus Henipavirus, stands as a significant public health priority due to its high case fatality rate, which historically ranges from 40% to 75%, and its potential for nosocomial transmission. As we navigate the early months of 2026, recent clusters in South Asia, including newly identified cases among healthcare professionals in West Bengal, underscore the critical importance of diagnostic alacrity and stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols.

The clinical spectrum of Nipah virus infection is notoriously protean, often beginning with non-specific prodromal symptoms that mimic more common respiratory or febrile illnesses. Early detection remains a significant challenge, yet it is the cornerstone of preventing community and facility-based outbreaks. In this week’s episode, we will explore the nuances of the acute phase, characterized by high-grade fever, myalgia, and respiratory distress, while paying particular attention to the rapid progression toward neurologic involvement. We will discuss the pathophysiology of acute encephalitis, marked by altered consciousness, autonomic instability, and segmental myoclonus, which can lead to a comatose state within 24 to 48 hours of onset. In addition, we will address the phenomenon of “latent” or “relapsed” encephalitis, where survivors present with neurological deficits months or even years post-exposure, emphasizing the need for long-term clinical vigilance.

In the absence of licensed vaccines or targeted antivirals, the focus remains on rigorous supportive care and the immediate implementation of Risk Group 4 biosafety standards. We will review the essential role of specialized personal protective equipment, the necessity of fit-tested N95 or P100 respirators, and the specific laboratory protocols required for the safe handling of viremic specimens. Our main discussant is Dr. Joseph Adrian L. Buensalido, an infectious diseases specialist and a Clinical Associate Professor from the UP-PGH Department of Medicine.

Join us in learning how we can protect ourselves against the spread of Nipah virus!