3 die from Nipah virus this year
All three of the deceased were under the age of 40
At least three people have died after being diagnosed with Nipah virus in the country so far this year.
An official of the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control And Research (IEDCR), on condition of anonymity, confirmed the matter to The Business Standard today (3 March).
IEDCR sources said the first infected person, a resident of Pabna district, died while undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Another person died while undergoing treatment at Barisal Medical College Hospital.
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Last week, the third infected person died at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
All three of the deceased were under the age of 40, the sources said.
According to the IEDCR, Nipah virus is spread through bats and can be contracted by consuming raw date juice. The risk of death from this virus is very high.
IEDCR Adviser Dr Mushtaq Hossain said almost all areas of the country are vulnerable to Nipah virus. He called for extra precautions in the districts where infected patients have been found.
According to IEDCR data, the first Nipah virus case in Bangladesh was detected in Meherpur in 2001.
Bangladesh reported five cases of the Nipah virus last year, with a 100% fatality rate. In 2023, the country recorded 13 Nipah cases, with 10 resulting in death.
