In Bangladesh, outbreaks of the Nipah virus (NiV) are seasonal. 

Cases often take place between December and April, coinciding with the collection and ingestion of date palm sap, which is known to be associated with disease incidence.

Two epidemiologically discrete cases of Nipah were reported by the Bangladesh national focal point for International Health Regulations on January 30 and February 7, 2024.

The first case was a 38-year-old man, admitted on Jan 11, confirmed as NiV on Jan 21, and passed away on Jan 28.

Both of these cases gave a positive history of consumption of raw date palm sap.

All 158 (91+67) close and community contacts in both cases tested negative for NiV.

In response, WHO has called for measures to prevent bats’ access to date palm sap.

It also released advisories reiterating that date palm juice should be boiled before consumption and fruits with bat bites should always be discarded.

WHO assessed regional level risk (India, Myanmar) to be moderate but the global risk of NiV to be low.