Nipah virus scare returns in Bangladesh, woman dies after drinking raw date palm sap; WHO confirms case

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a fresh and worrying case of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh, where a woman has died after contracting the virus. The case was detected in northern Bangladesh in late January, once again raising concerns about the deadly virus in South Asia.

According to WHO, the deceased woman was between 40 and 50 years old. She first developed symptoms on 21 January, beginning with high fever and severe headache. Her condition deteriorated rapidly within days, and she started experiencing breathing difficulties, excessive salivation, confusion, and seizures. The woman succumbed to the infection within a week of symptom onset. Laboratory tests conducted a day after her death confirmed Nipah virus infection.

Investigations revealed that the woman had not travelled recently, indicating local transmission. Health officials found that she had consumed raw date palm sap, which is believed to be the primary source of infection. Experts explain that fruit bats, the natural carriers of the Nipah virus, often contaminate date palm sap and fruits. When humans consume such contaminated products, the virus can spread to humans.

As a precautionary measure, authorities identified and monitored 35 people who came into contact with the woman. All tested negative, providing some relief. However, the incident has triggered heightened alertness across the region. Following recent Nipah cases in West Bengal, India, countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan have increased thermal screening at airports. WHO has clarified that the risk of international spread remains low, and no travel or trade restrictions are currently recommended.

The Nipah virus is considered extremely dangerous, with a fatality rate of up to 75 percent. There is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available so far. In 2025, Bangladesh reported four confirmed Nipah cases, all of which resulted in deaths. Health authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid consuming fallen or partially eaten fruits and to drink date palm sap only after proper boiling to reduce the risk of infection.