The Independent: Woman dies from deadly Nipah virus in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has recorded a fatal case of Nipah virus infection, The Independent reports.

The outbreak, previously seen in neighbouring India, claimed the life of a woman aged 40–50.

The patient was admitted to a hospital in January with fever, severe headache, disorientation, excessive salivation, and seizures. Despite medical care, her condition worsened rapidly, and she died within a week. Nipah virus was confirmed in her samples the day after her death.

Although she had not travelled recently, the woman had consumed raw date palm sap contaminated with secretions from infected bats, which may have caused the infection.

All 35 people who had contact with the deceased are under medical observation; their tests for Nipah virus remain negative. In response to the regional spread of the virus, airports have stepped up health screenings.

Health officials warn that Nipah virus is highly dangerous, with a mortality rate of 40–70%, and there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine.

By Khagan Isayev