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Deadly Nipah Virus Claimed Life in Bangladesh: WHO
7 Feb
Summary
- A woman in Bangladesh died from the Nipah virus infection in January.
- The patient had consumed raw date palm sap before developing symptoms.
- No licensed medicines or vaccines are currently available for Nipah virus.
A woman in northern Bangladesh succumbed to the Nipah virus infection in January, the World Health Organization reported on February 6, 2026. This case follows two identified in neighboring India, prompting heightened airport screenings across Asia.
The patient, aged between 40-50 years, experienced symptoms consistent with Nipah virus on January 21, 2026, including fever, headache, and disorientation. She passed away a week later, with the infection confirmed the following day.
Although she had no travel history, the individual had consumed raw date palm sap, a potential transmission vector. All 35 individuals who had contact with the patient are under observation and have tested negative for the virus. No additional cases have been detected.
Nipah virus, which can be fatal in up to 75% of cases, primarily spreads through contaminated products from infected bats. It does not spread easily between humans. Despite stepped-up screenings in several Asian countries, the WHO considers the risk of international spread low.
Bangladesh reported four laboratory-confirmed fatal cases in 2025. Currently, there are no specific licensed medicines or vaccines available for this infection.
