Bangladesh Reports First Nipah Virus Death of 2026: WHO
News Desk
Dhaka: Bangladesh has recorded its first death from the Nipah virus in 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed, local media reported on Sunday.
The victim was a woman aged between 40 and 50 from northern Bangladesh who fell ill on January 21.
According to health officials, she developed symptoms including high fever, headache, excessive salivation, disorientation and convulsions. Despite receiving medical treatment, she died about a week later.
Laboratory tests conducted after her death confirmed infection with the Nipah virus.
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Authorities said the woman had no recent travel history.
However, investigations revealed she had consumed raw date palm sap, which is known to be a common source of Nipah virus transmission in Bangladesh.
A total of 35 people who had close contact with the patient have been placed under medical monitoring. So far, none have tested positive for the virus, and no additional cases have been reported.
Nipah virus is transmitted primarily through food products contaminated by infected fruit bats, including fruits and raw date palm sap. Human-to-human transmission is possible but occurs relatively slowly.
The virus can be fatal in up to 75 percent of cases, according to health experts.
The case in Bangladesh comes amid reports of two Nipah infections in India’s West Bengal state. In response, several Asian countries, including Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, have increased airport screenings and preventive measures.
The WHO said the risk of international spread remains low and has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions based on current information.
Bangladesh reported four laboratory-confirmed deaths from the Nipah virus in 2025. There are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available for the infection.
