Seven people have died of the Nipah virus across the country this winter between December last year and January this year. At least 10 cases of Nipah virus illness were identified in the country during the period. Of them, seven have died so far and the rest infected people have been suffering from various complications. The deadly virus has already spread to 28 districts of the country.
Nipah virus spreads through the saliva or urine of bats. People who drink raw date juice and fruits partially eaten by birds, especially bats, can be infected with the virus. Apart from these, if people come in contact with the infected ones, they have also the possibility of being infected with the deadly virus.
As this virus spreads from individual to individual quickly, it may take a serious turn if people do not refrain from drinking raw date juice alongside avoiding the infected ones. This virus infection is the most lethal among all communicable diseases in our county in terms of mortality rate, with 71 per cent of the 327 people who had contracted the virus in the last 22 years dying from the disease.
If any person falls sick after
developing symptoms, he or
she must contact the nearest
hospitals immediately
According to the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (Icddr,b) Nipah virus was first discovered in 1998 in Malaysia and was first seen in Bangladesh in 2001.
Raw date juice and any half-eaten fruit should not be consumed. It was observed that almost all the outbreaks happened in the winter season in the country. The patients having the signs and symptoms of encephalitis within this period and having a history of consuming raw date palm juice are to be suspected to have Nipah virus infection.
Meanwhile, researchers and experts warn that Nipah Virus may be the next pandemic agent after Covid-19, and World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Nipah virus as one of the ten viruses with pandemic potential.
Authorities concerned should issue directives to all deputy commissioners to take immediate steps in their respective districts to create awareness among the people about the impact of date raw juice drinking.
Besides, the local administration will also have to keep beds in the isolation ward and Intensive Care Unit beds prepared for providing treatment to the infected people.
We all will have to avoid drinking raw date juice, partially eaten fruits and fruits without washing properly. If any person falls sick after developing symptoms, he or she must contact the nearest hospitals immediately.
