Dhaka: Bangladesh has reported one death from the Nipah virus infection in a person with no history of travel abroad, while the World Health Organization confirms that the risk of an outbreak remains low.
According to Thai News Agency, the World Health Organization revealed yesterday that a woman in northern Bangladesh died after contracting the Nipah virus in January. The deceased, aged approximately 40-50, began exhibiting symptoms consistent with Nipah infection on January 21st, including high fever and headache, followed by excessive salivation, confusion, and seizures, before dying a week later. One day afterward, health officials confirmed her Nipah infection. Investigations revealed she had consumed fresh date palm juice, raising concerns about potential contamination from fruit bat secretions, but it has not yet been confirmed whether this was the cause of her infection.
The World Health Organization stated that this infected individual had no history of international travel. Thirty-five individuals who had close contact with this person are currently under surveillance. All have tested negative, and no further infections have been detected so far.
Bangladesh reports cases of Nipah virus infection almost every year, with four deaths expected in 2025. The first cases and deaths in Bangladesh this year follow the discovery of two Nipah virus cases in neighboring India, sparking concerns about an outbreak and leading to increased screening measures at several airports across Asia.
Nipah is a virus primarily spread through contaminated products from infected bats, such as fruit. While it can be fatal in up to 75% of all infections, it does not easily spread from person to person. The World Health Organization confirms that the risk of an international outbreak is low and does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions.