Nipah virus in Bangladesh
One person has died after contracting the deadly Nipah virus. This person had consumed raw date palm juice before becoming infected. The infection was from the juice of dates.
The government's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) confirmed this via a seminar.
What is the Nipah virus
Nipah is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted by infected fruit juice, especially raw palm juice unpasteurized, contaminated fruits eaten by fruit bats and taking it without washing, peeling or cooking.
Since 1997 Nipah virus infection has emerged repeatedly in South East Asia including Bangladesh. The first case of Nipah virus infection was reported in Malaysia in 1998-99 and retrospective diagnosis showed the infection was present from 1973.
The first infection in India was reported in January-February 2001 in the Shiliguri district neighbouring Bangladesh where 66 cases were reported with a 74% mortality.
Clinical features of the Nipah virus
Nipah virus infection ranges from asymptomatic to fatal encephalitis.
- Symptoms include Influenza-flu like nausea, vomiting, headache, myalgia, high fever and sore throat,
- Neurological symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, convulsions, and coma indicate acute encephalitis.
- Some people can experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems including ARDS.
- Encephalitis and seizure occur in severe cases progressing to coma within 24-48 hours10. The incubation period varies from 4 hours to 45 days. The fatality rate estimated is 40.
The government of Bangladesh continue surveillance for early detection case of the Nipah virus throughout the country.
IEDCR continue their awareness programs among the people by publishing leaflets, poster, audiovisual media, and posting on social media.
Many people especially in rural areas are reluctant to follow instructions from IEDCR.