A deadly outbreak threat has resurfaced in South Asia after the World Health Organization confirmed that a woman in northern Bangladesh died in January from the highly lethal Nipah virus. The announcement comes as neighboring India has already detected two cases, prompting heightened airport screenings across several Asian countries.
A Rapidly Fatal Infection
The patient, a woman in her 40s or 50s, developed symptoms on January 21, including fever, headache, hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsions classic signs of Nipah virus infection, according to the WHO. She died a week later, and laboratory confirmation of the virus followed a day after her death.
Health officials noted that she had no travel history but had consumed raw date palm sap, a known transmission route due to contamination from infected fruit bats. All 35 individuals who had contact with her have tested negative and remain under monitoring. No additional cases have been detected so far.
Regional Response Intensifies
Nipah virus, which can kill up to 75 percent of those infected, does not spread easily between humans but remains a serious public health concern due to its high fatality rate and lack of approved treatments or vaccines.
Following India’s detection of cases in West Bengal, countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan have implemented temperature screenings at airports to prevent potential cross-border spread.
Despite the heightened vigilance, the WHO emphasized that the risk of international transmission remains low and said it does not recommend travel or trade restrictions at this time.
Bangladesh’s Ongoing Battle with Nipah
Bangladesh reports Nipah cases almost every year, and the virus remains a persistent threat. In 2025 alone, the country recorded four laboratory‑confirmed fatal cases. With no licensed medicines or vaccines available, prevention efforts continue to focus on surveillance, public awareness, and limiting exposure to contaminated food sources.
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