Treatment of Viral Encephalitis in Nipah Virus Encephalitis

Nipah virus is an uncommon but highly lethal cause of viral encephalitis. This protocol addresses the management of encephalitis specifically attributable to Nipah virus infection — a presentation that requires a targeted evidence-based approach distinct from other viral encephalitides.

The scenario covered here is Nipah virus encephalitis: acute viral encephalitis in a patient with confirmed or suspected Nipah virus as the causative pathogen.

Antiviral therapy can be considered in this setting. Ribavirin is the agent evaluated for this indication, with open-label data suggesting potential benefit in reducing mortality. The full structured regimen — including dosing, clinical decision criteria, and complete management pathway — is available in the protocol below.