The World Health Organization has confirmed a fatal case of the Nipah virus in Bangladesh. According to experts, this infection remains rare but is noted for its high mortality rate. Currently, local authorities, along with international organizations, are implementing measures to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus.
This is reported by Finway
Incident Details and WHO Response
According to official data, a woman aged between 40 and 50 fell ill on January 21, presenting with fever and neurological symptoms. She was hospitalized on January 28, and by January 29, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus. The WHO received notification of this case on February 3, 2026, from the National Coordinator for International Health Regulations in Bangladesh.
“On February 3, 2026, the National Coordinator for International Health Regulations (NCO IHR) in Bangladesh informed the WHO of one confirmed case of Nipah virus infection in the Rajshahi district,” stated the international health organization.
It is known that the patient had not traveled, but had consumed raw date palm sap prior to her illness. Medical workers have checked 35 individuals who had contact with the woman, but no new cases of infection have been detected. Since 2001, there have been approximately 348 reported cases of this virus in the country, with about half linked to the consumption of raw palm sap.
Epidemiological Situation and Lack of Vaccine
Previously, the Nipah virus was detected in two individuals in India, prompting enhanced sanitary measures at airports in several countries in the region. The WHO currently does not recommend restricting international travel or trade, as it assesses the overall risk to public health at national, regional, and global levels as low.
As of today, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for the Nipah virus. Estimates suggest that the mortality rate among those infected ranges from 40% to 75%. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that Nipah is a “rare but serious disease,” and that international specialists are actively working on it.