What Is Nipah Virus?
9. What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Animal?
Pigs who carry Nipah virus remain infectious for four to 14 days during the incubation period. Some infected animals display no symptoms, but the most common include a fever, difficulty breathing, trembling and muscle spasms. Nipah virus in young piglets is often fatal, but the fatality rate among adult pigs is much lower. Look for an unusual cough in domestic pigs as a sign that they may be infected with Nipah virus.
Pigs are typically infected by bats, so care should be taken to prevent bats from gaining access to pig enclosures or food. Bat droppings commonly spread the illness to pigs and humans. While rare, horses, goats, cats, dogs and sheep can also be infected by Nipah virus.
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