DHAKA: The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Friday that a woman in northern Bangladesh died in January after contracting the deadly Nipah virus, marking the latest case in a region where the infection is reported nearly every year.
The patient, aged between 40 and 50, developed symptoms on January 21, including fever, headache, hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsions. She passed away a week later, and laboratory tests confirmed Nipah virus infection the following day.
Read More: WHO sees low risk of Nipah virus spreading beyond India
The woman had no travel history but had consumed raw date palm sap, a known source of Nipah transmission from infected fruit bats. All 35 individuals who had contact with her are being monitored and have tested negative for the virus, and no further cases have been reported to date, the WHO said.
The World Health Organization said on Friday that a woman had died in northern Bangladesh in January after contracting the deadly Nipah virus infection.
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The outbreak in Bangladesh follows two confirmed Nipah cases in neighboring India, prompting several Asian countries—including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan—to implement airport temperature screenings. Despite the regional spread, the WHO said the risk of international transmission remains low and no travel or trade restrictions are currently recommended.
Nipah virus infections can be fatal in up to 75% of cases but generally do not spread easily between humans. There are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available for the virus.
Read More: What is the Nipah virus and how is it treated?
In 2025, Bangladesh reported four laboratory-confirmed fatal cases. Health authorities continue to advise caution when consuming raw date palm sap and recommend immediate medical attention if symptoms develop following exposure.
The WHO emphasized ongoing surveillance and public awareness as key measures to prevent further cases, particularly in rural areas where consumption of potentially contaminated products is common.