NewsDesk @bactiman63

Bangladesh health authorities reported three Nipah virus cases in 2022. According to the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR),  two cases were reported in Naogaon district and one case was reported in Rajbari district.

This brings the number of cases reported in the country to 325 since 2001. In addition, officials have reported a 70 percent fatality rate.

Last week, it was reported that a woman from Rajshahi district died from Nipah, making it the first case of 2023.

According to the World Health Organization:

  • Nipah virus infection in humans causes a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection (subclinical) to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis.
  • The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%. This rate can vary by outbreak depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.
  • Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human.
  • Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus.
  • There is no treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals. The primary treatment for humans is supportive care.