Fatal case of Nipah virus confirmed in Bangladesh official records

Bangladesh Reports First Nipah Virus Death

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a patient’s death from the Nipah virus in Bangladesh. The patient, identified as a female between 40 and 50 years old from Naogaon district, died after being admitted to hospital on January 28. Laboratory confirmation of the infection was made the following day.

According to the WHO, the risk of international disease spread remains low. The organization has notified its National Focal Point for Bangladesh about one confirmed case of Nipah virus infection in Rajshahi Division. This announcement comes after two cases were confirmed in West Bengal state in eastern India last week.

The patient in Bangladesh first began experiencing fever and neurological symptoms on January 21, with no reported travel history. The individual had recently consumed raw date palm sap. An additional 35 contact persons have been tested for the virus, with no further cases detected.

WHO data shows that about half of Nipah virus cases in Bangladesh occurred among people who drank raw palm sap. Outbreaks tend to occur between December and April, corresponding to the harvest and consumption of date palm sap.

The WHO has increased disease surveillance and testing, implemented prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, and informed the public on how to protect themselves. There are currently no licensed medicines or vaccines specific for Nipah virus infection, with a reported fatality rate between 40 percent and 75 percent among infected individuals.

Source: Al Jazeera