Consider the following statements regarding the Nipah Virus (NiV):

Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Nipah Virus (NiV):

I. It is an orthopoxvirus.

II. NiV is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans.

III. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test for NiV.

IV. The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days on average.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. Only three (Correct answer)
4. D. All four

Correct Answer

Option C — Only three

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Only three.

Key Points

• Nipah Virus (NiV): It is a paramyxovirus (NOT an orthopoxvirus, making I incorrect).
• It is zoonotic — transmitted from fruit bats to humans, sometimes via intermediate hosts like pigs (II ✓).
• PCR is the preferred diagnostic test (III ✓).
• Average incubation period is 4–14 days (IV ✓).
• Three statements (II, III, IV) are correct.