True about Nipah virus are all except –
First, I recall that Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus. It's part of the Paramyxoviridae family. The primary reservoir is fruit bats, especially Pteropus species. Transmission can occur through direct contact with infected bats or pigs, and person-to-person transmission is possible. Symptoms include fever, headache, drowsiness, and can progress to encephalitis. The case fatality rate is high, around 40-75%.
Now, considering common misconceptions or exceptions. One might think it's transmitted by mosquitoes, but the main vectors are bats and pigs. Also, there's no specific antiviral treatment; supportive care is the mainstay. The virus is not airborne, which is a key point. So if any option states it's transmitted by mosquitoes or has an effective vaccine, that would be incorrect.
Another point is the incubation period, which ranges from 4 to 14 days. The virus can cause acute respiratory illness and encephalitis. If an option mentions a different incubation period or incorrect mode of transmission, that's a red flag.
Putting this together, the false statement would be something like "Nipah virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes" or "There is a widely available vaccine for Nipah virus." The correct answer would be the option that contradicts these facts.
**Core Concept**
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic paramyxovirus with high mortality. Key features include bat reservoirs, person-to-person transmission, and severe encephalitis. Clinical management focuses on supportive care due to lack of specific antivirals.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The false statement is often about transmission or treatment. For example, if an option claims NiV is mosquito-borne (incorrect) or has a licensed vaccine (none exists), it is false. NiV spreads via direct contact with bats/pigs or infected bodily fluids, not mosquitoes. No FDA-approved antiviral or vaccine is available.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *"Nipah virus is a paramyxovirus"* β Correct. NiV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family.
**Option B:** *"Reservoir is Pteropus fruit bats"* β Correct. Pteropus species are natural reservoirs.
**Option C:** *"Case fatality rate is 40β75%"* β Correct. High mortality is characteristic.
**Option D:** *"Ribavirin is effective treatment"* β Incorrect. Ribavirin shows limited efficacy; no proven antiviral exists.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: **"Bats, pigs, people"** β NiV transmission chain. Person-to-person spread occurs in healthcare settings via close contact. Isolation and PPE are critical. No specific treatment; supportive care is key.
**Correct Answer: D. Ribavirin is effective treatment**