Nipah virus and PPE in infection prevention

What is the Nipah virus?

The Nipah virus is a potentially deadly infectious disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms in humans, from mild complaints to severe respiratory infections and encephalitis. WHO classifies Nipah as a high-risk pathogen. Research with live virus may only take place in laboratories with the highest biosafety level (BSL-4).

In previous outbreaks, transmission within hospitals was a key concern, for example during care of patients in isolation or during intensive procedures such as ventilation. Natural reservoirs are mainly fruit bats, but infection through pigs or contaminated food is also possible. Within healthcare facilities, infection prevention teams determine which measures are required.

In humans, infection may be mild, but in severe cases encephalitis or a serious respiratory infection develops. According to WHO, the fatality rate ranges between 40 and 75 percent (WHO, accessed January 2026). At present, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available.

Transmission risks in healthcare settings

Nipah outbreaks are rare but require extra alertness within healthcare facilities. Infection through animals or contaminated food is also possible, but in healthcare environments the focus is mainly on isolation care and strict hand hygiene.

The main points of attention are:

• Hygiene and cleaning
  Regular hand hygiene and thorough cleaning of contact surfaces remain a basic measure, especially in isolation rooms.
• Clear procedures and documentation
  Infection prevention requires clear agreements, such as isolation protocols, contact registration and staff instructions.
• Correct use of PPE
  In healthcare facilities, gloves, respiratory protection and isolation clothing are essential to limit transmission during intensive patient contact.

Infection prevention in healthcare facilities and laboratories

Nipah outbreaks are rare but require extra alertness within healthcare settings. In hospitals and clinics with isolation procedures, intensive patient contact can lead to transmission. Laboratories and diagnostic centers working with patient material must also know which protective measures are appropriate. In regions where outbreaks occur, the same applies to healthcare organizations that need to scale up infection prevention quickly.

In the fact sheet on the Nipah virus, WHO advises that patients with suspected or confirmed Nipah infection should preferably be cared for in a single-patient isolation room. Healthcare workers use contact and droplet precautions, such as a well-fitting mask, eye protection, a fluid-resistant gown and gloves.

During aerosol-generating procedures, additional airborne precautions may be required, including respiratory protection at FFP level. Visitors and caregivers should follow similar precautions according to protocol.

PPE and hygiene products for Nipah isolation

In suspected Nipah cases, protective measures are determined based on hospital protocols and guidelines from health authorities.

Usually this involves the following product categories:

• Gloves
• Respiratory protection
• Eye protection
• Isolation clothing, such as disposable coveralls, depending on protocol
• Hand disinfection

These are general product categories. The risk assessment and infection prevention policy of the institution determine which measures are used. Hospitals follow the guidelines of WHO and national health authorities.

How to implement infection prevention measures for Nipah

To keep the risk of infection with Nipah as low as possible, it is important to organize infection prevention in a practical and demonstrable way. These are the core measures:

• Voer een actuele risicoanalyse uit bij verdenking van zoönosen
• Train medewerkers in correct gebruik van PBM
• Gebruik disposable kleding in isolatiezones
• Leg procedures vast voor isolatie, contactonderzoek en bronopsporing
• Zorg voor voldoende voorraad handschoenen en maskers
• Registreer afwijkingen en incidenten in het kwaliteitssysteem
• Controleer reiniging en desinfectie aantoonbaar

Current guidelines and protocols

Recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) may also be reviewed and adjusted as more information becomes available about an outbreak. Therefore, always consult the current protocols of your own institution and official sources, such as the NCID/MOH Guidance on Nipah Virus.

When are FFP3 masks needed?

During procedures where aerosols may be generated (such as intubation), respiratory protection at FFP3 level may be necessary. In such situations, healthcare workers use respiratory protection during ventilation or other intensive procedures where close contact is unavoidable. Which type is applied (with or without exhalation valve) depends on the institution’s infection prevention protocol.

Popular FFP3 masks in our assortment include:

• Honeywell HSP 5311 cup respirators FFP3 NR D V with exhalation valve
• 3M Aura 9332+ folded respirators FFP3 NR D with exhalation valve
• Honeywell HSP 2311 folded respirators FFP3 NR D with exhalation valve