WHO Confirms Nipah Virus Death in Bangladesh; Risk of Global Spread Remains Low

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday confirmed that a woman in northern Bangladesh died in January after contracting the deadly Nipah virus.

Bangladesh, which reports Nipah cases almost every year, recorded the fatality shortly after two cases were detected in neighboring India, prompting enhanced airport screenings across several Asian countries.

According to the WHO, the woman, aged between 40 and 50, developed symptoms on January 21, including fever and headache, followed by hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsions. She died a week later and was confirmed to be infected with the virus the following day.

Health officials said the patient had no recent travel history but had consumed raw date palm sap, a known source of Nipah infection. All 35 people who came in contact with her have tested negative and remain under medical observation. No additional cases have been detected so far.

Nipah virus is primarily transmitted through food or products contaminated by fruit bats, particularly raw fruit and date palm sap. While the virus can be fatal in up to 75 percent of cases, it does not spread easily between humans.

In response to recent cases in India, countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan have introduced temperature screening measures at airports.

The WHO stated that the risk of international transmission remains low and has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions at this stage.

In 2025, Bangladesh reported four laboratory-confirmed Nipah-related deaths. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or specific medicines available to treat the infection.