The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Friday, February 6, 2026, that a woman in northern Bangladesh succumbed to Nipah virus infection in January. The country records Nipah cases almost annually, particularly during specific seasonal periods.
WHO officials said the patient, aged between 40 and 50 years, began showing symptoms on January 21. She first reported fever and headache, which later escalated to excessive salivation, confusion, and seizures.
The woman passed away roughly a week after falling ill, with laboratory confirmation of Nipah virus infection arriving the following day.
Health authorities found that the patient had not travelled recently. However, investigations revealed she had consumed raw date palm sap, a known transmission source linked to fruit bats that carry the virus.
Medical teams identified 35 people who had close contact with the patient. Officials placed all of them under observation, and tests have returned negative results so far. Authorities have not detected any additional linked infections.
Increased Monitoring Across the Region
The confirmed case in Bangladesh followed the identification of two Nipah infections in India, prompting several Asian nations to strengthen preventive measures.
Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan introduced temperature screening at airports after India reported cases in West Bengal.
Nipah virus typically spreads through food products contaminated by infected bats and carries a fatality rate of up to 75 per cent. Despite its severity, the virus shows limited human-to-human transmission.
The WHO stated that the probability of cross-border spread remains low and advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions based on the current situation. Bangladesh reported four laboratory-confirmed Nipah-related deaths in 2025, underlining the virus’s continued presence in the region.
At present, no licensed vaccines or targeted antiviral treatments exist for Nipah virus infection.
Health agencies continue to stress prevention, surveillance, and early response as the most effective means of control.
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