Nipah Virus Outbreaks: A CBRNE Framework for Global Biocontainment

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV), a deadly zoonotic pathogen with a fatality rate of 40-75%, continues to pose a significant pandemic threat, as evidenced by recent outbreaks in Kerala, India (2023 and 2024). These events highlight NiV's potential for human-to-human transmission, particularly in healthcare settings, and its ability to cause severe respiratory and neurological disease. Given the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics, this review explores the implementation of CBRNE strategies for outbreak containment. We analyze how military-developed protocols - including high-level biocontainment units, aerosolized disinfectant systems, and controlled movement zones - could be adapted to manage NiV's unique challenges. The discussion focuses on practical applications: rapid deployment of mobile isolation pods for patients, strict corpse management procedures to prevent environmental contamination, and specialized equipment requirements for healthcare workers. Recent outbreak responses in India demonstrate the critical need for such approaches, particularly given NiV's potential for airborne transmission and environmental persistence. We suggest how the integrating CBRNE principles into public health preparedness plans could significantly reduce transmission risks during NiV outbreaks while maintaining essential societal functions. This review provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of pre-outbreak training, interagency coordination, and targeted resource allocation to address this growing biological threat.