Nipah virus preparedness in a One Health framework: Implications for Europe

Area of Science:

• * One Health
• * Zoonotic Diseases
• * Public Health Preparedness

Background:

• * Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic henipavirus causing severe neurological and respiratory disease with high mortality.
• * Recurrent outbreaks in Asia highlight persistent NiV risk and global consequences of delayed response.
• * Non-endemic regions like Europe face unique preparedness challenges: rare cases, stringent biosafety, and reliance on specialized, potentially degrading, capacities.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review NiV biology, epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment, and preparedness strategies.
• * To focus on operational implications for Europe within a One Health framework.
• * To inform risk assessment, diagnostic readiness, and clinical recognition in non-endemic health systems.

Main Methods:

• * Narrative review of peer-reviewed literature.
• * Analysis of international public health agency reports.
• * Examination of zoonotic spillover determinants and transmission patterns.

Main Results:

• * Identified constraints in the diagnostic pathway, including specimen handling and biosafety.
• * Summarized current clinical management and investigational medical countermeasures.
• * Highlighted the need for sustained capacity in laboratory networks, clinical services, and public health systems for NiV preparedness.

Conclusions:

• * NiV preparedness requires continuous biomonitoring and response, not episodic activities.
• * Integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental domains is essential for early spillover detection.
• * Sustained European preparedness necessitates cross-border coordination and systematic integration of One Health intelligence.