Risk Factors for Nipah Virus Encephalitis in Bangladesh1

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1410.060507
• Publication Date: 2008-10-08T19:41:27Z
• Authors: Joel M. Montgomery; Mohamed J. Hossain; E. Gurley; D.S. Carroll; A. Croisier; E. Bertherat; N. Asgari; P. Formenty; N. Keeler; J. Comer; M.R. Bell; K. Akram; A.R. Molla; K. Zaman; Mohamed R. Islam; K. Wagoner; J.N. Mills; P.E. Rollin; T.G. Ksiazek; R.F. Breiman
• Keywords: Hendra Virus; Viral encephalitis

Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) is a paramyxovirus that causes severe encephalitis in humans. During January 2004, twelve patients with NiV (NiVE) were identified west-central Bangladesh. A case–control study was conducted to identify factors associated infection. NiVE from the outbreak enrolled matched case-control study. Exact odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated by using analysis. Climbing trees (83% of cases vs. 51% controls, OR 8.2, CI 1.25–∞) contact another patient (67% 9% 21.4, 2.78–966.1) We did not an increased risk for infection among persons who had potential intermediate host. Although we cannot rule out person-to-person transmission, case-patients likely infected fruit bats or their secretions.