Nipah Virus and the Question of Nepal’s Preparedness

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is caused by a zoonotic virus capable of causing severe outbreaks with high pandemic potential. Zoonotic viruses—transmitted from animals (both wild and domestic) to humans—are emerging due to deforestation, climate change, and the global wildlife trade. NiV is a paramyxovirus whose natural reservoir hosts are fruit bats, commonly known as flying foxes. It is an RNA virus and is considered pleomorphic, meaning it can alter its morphology, biological functions, or reproductive modes in response to environmental conditions.