01/29/2026
The Nipah Virus (NiV)
The Nipah virus is a serious zoonotic virus (meaning it spreads from animals to humans). It is often in the news due to its high fatality rate and potential for outbreaks.
Source: Primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats (the natural reservoir) or pigs.
Transmission: It can spread through contaminated food (like fruit or raw date palm sap) or through direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids.
Symptoms:
Fever, headache, and sore throat (flu-like).
In severe cases, it causes encephalitis (swelling of the brain), leading to confusion, seizures, or coma.
Status: There is currently no vaccine, so treatment is focused on supportive care.
2. Common Nipple-Related Issues
If your question was about a physical ailment affecting the ni**le area, here are the most common causes:
Mastitis: An inflammation of the breast tissue (common in breastfeeding but can happen to anyone) often caused by a bacterial infection or a blocked duct.
Dermatitis/Eczema: Skin irritation that can cause itching, redness, or flaking.
Nipple Thrush: A yeast infection (Candidiasis) that causes sharp, stinging pain and sometimes shiny or flaky skin.
Paget’s Disease: A rare form of breast cancer that starts as a persistent, scaly rash on the ni**le.