NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF NIPAH VIRUS: CLINICAL CHALLENGES AND PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen associated with sporadic but highly lethal outbreaks, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. This chapter aims to analyze the main neurological manifestations associated with Nipah virus infection, addressing the clinical challenges in diagnosis and management, as well as factors related to patient prognosis. The methodology consisted of a narrative review of the scientific literature, based on articles indexed in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing clinical studies, systematic reviews, and outbreak reports involving neurological involvement. The results indicate that acute encephalitis is the most frequent neurological manifestation, commonly accompanied by altered consciousness, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and neuropsychiatric disturbances, in addition to late complications such as relapsing encephalitis. Rapid clinical progression, lack of specific antiviral therapies, and difficulties in early diagnosis significantly contribute to high mortality rates and long-term neurological sequelae. It is concluded that early recognition of neurological manifestations of Nipah virus infection is essential for appropriate clinical management, emphasizing the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance, developing therapeutic strategies, and improving outbreak response protocols.