Bangladesh has reported 5 Nipah virus cases this yr, all of which dangle resulted in fatalities, marking a 100% case fatality price, in maintaining with the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Protect watch over, and Study (IEDCR).
The solutions became as soon as disclosed throughout a discussion titled “Unfold and Risks of the Nipah Virus,” held on the IEDCR headquarters this afternoon (19 December).
“This yr, all Nipah cases had a history of drinking uncooked date palm sap,” talked about Professor Tahmina Shirin, director of IEDCR.
Among the many 5 cases, four were men, and one became as soon as a three-yr-faded girl. The cases were reported in four districts: Naogaon, Khulna, Shariatpur, and Manikganj.
“Nipah virus spreads thru bat secretions or saliva. Tantalizing inferior uncooked date palm sap would possibly additionally result in transmission. Contaminated folks can trudge the virus to members of the family or healthcare workers,” Professor Shirin outlined.
She knowledgeable in opposition to drinking uncooked date palm sap and warned of us no longer to expend fruits in part eaten by bats. She also highlighted the risks posed by date juice bought on-line below labels equivalent to “right” or “boiled,” which can be contributing to the spread of the virus.
In accordance with IEDCR info, the important Nipah virus case in Bangladesh became as soon as detected in Meherpur in 2001. Since then, 343 folks right thru 34 districts were infected, with a mortality price of 71%. Of those, 28% were cases of person-to-person transmission.
In 2023, the nation recorded 13 Nipah cases, with 10 leading to loss of life. Currently, 88 Nipah survivors stay below follow-up care.
The discussion also revealed that the virus became as soon as detected in breast milk for the important time closing yr, stressing the want for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures.
