Nipah virus--a potential agent of bioterrorism?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Abstract
Nipah virus, a newly emerging deadly paramyxovirus isolated during a large outbreak of viral encephalitis in Malaysia, has many of the physical attributes to serve as a potential agent of bioterrorism. The outbreak caused widespread panic and fear because of its high mortality and the inability to control the disease initially. There were considerable social disruptions and tremendous economic loss to an important pig-rearing industry. This highly virulent virus, believed to be introduced into pig farms by fruit bats, spread easily among pigs and was transmitted to humans who came into close contact with infected animals. From pigs, the virus was also transmitted to other animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. The Nipah virus has the potential to be considered an agent of bioterrorism.
Keywords
Cats, Disease Outbreaks, Disease Reservoirs
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
Antiviral Research
Volume
57
Issue
1-2
Publisher
Elsevier Masson
Additional Information
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. lamsk@niphavirus.org