Nipah Virus claims 5 lives

Staff Reporter :

Five people have died from the deadly Nipah virus in four districts this year, according to the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). The victims include two children—a three-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy—and three men aged 25 and 38.
Professor Dr. Tahmina Shirin, director of the IEDCR, shared the information during an awareness program on the Nipah virus at the institute’s auditorium in Mohakhali, Dhaka, on Thursday (December 19).
“The deceased were from different districts, highlighting the spread of the virus. Awareness and preventive measures are crucial at this stage to mitigate further outbreaks,” Dr. Shirin emphasized during her address.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions, contaminated food, or close contact with infected individuals. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and respiratory issues, which can escalate to encephalitis and death in severe cases.
IEDCR has urged people to avoid consuming raw date palm sap, a common source of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh, and to maintain hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Health authorities have called for immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, as early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of fatality.
Further investigations and precautionary measures are being taken to contain the virus and prevent further loss of life.