WHO Reports Fatal Nipah Virus Case in Bangladesh

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on February 6th that a woman in northern Bangladesh died after contracting the Nipah virus in January. The patient, aged 40-50, developed symptoms on January 21st including fever, headache, abnormal excessive salivation, confusion, and seizures. She died approximately one week later, with officials confirming the Nipah virus infection. The woman had not traveled internationally but had a history of consuming raw palm sap. Of the 35 close contacts, all tested negative, though officials continue monitoring the situation. WHO stated that Nipah is an infection spread through contamination from infected bats, with a severe mortality rate of 75% but limited human-to-human transmission. Countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan have implemented airport temperature screenings following two Nipah cases in India's West Bengal state.