WHO: Bangladesh reports Nipah Virus death in Rajshahi Division

Bangladesh has reported a death from Nipah virus (NiV) in Naogaon District of the Rajshahi Division, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The patient was admitted to hospital on January 28 and died later the same day. NiV was confirmed through laboratory testing on January 29. The death was officially reported on February 3.

Health authorities have identified and monitored 35 contacts of the deceased, all of whom have tested negative for the virus. No additional cases have been reported so far. The patient had no recent travel history, but she had consumed raw date palm sap – a known risk factor for NiV transmission. NiV outbreaks are frequently linked to the harvesting and consumption of raw date palm sap, particularly between December and April.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh has initiated public health measures to manage the situation. WHO assesses the overall public health risk as low at the national, regional and global levels. Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen, can be transmitted to humans from fruit bats, as well as wild and domestic animals. The virus is characterized by a high mortality rate. However, early supportive care can significantly improve survival rates. Previous NiV cases have been reported in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.