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THE World Health Organization (WHO) reported yesterday that a woman aged between 40 and 50 in northern Bangladesh died in January after contracting the highly fatal Nipah virus. The case comes as neighbouring India confirms two new infections, prompting enhanced airport health screenings across Asia.
Reuters reported on Saturday that the patient developed initial symptoms on January 21, including fever and headache, followed by hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsions, the WHO stated. She passed away a week later, with laboratory confirmation of Nipah infection received the following day.
The woman had no history of travel but was known to have consumed raw date palm sap, a common source of the virus which is often transmitted through products contaminated by infected bats.
The WHO said all 35 individuals who had contact with her are under monitoring and have tested negative, and no further cases have emerged to date.
Nipah virus infections are highly dangerous, with fatality rates reaching up to 75 per cent, though human-to-human transmission is limited. In response to recent cases in West Bengal, India, countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan have implemented temperature screenings at airports.
The WHO emphasised that “the risk of international disease spread is considered low” and currently does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions based on the available data.
Bangladesh recorded four laboratory-confirmed fatal cases of Nipah virus in 2025. To date, there are no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available for the infection, underscoring the importance of preventive measures, surveillance, and early detection in controlling its spread. - February 7, 2026