At least 240 people have died of the Nipah virus across the country in the last 23 years during the winter season, according to media report. At least 339 cases of Nipah virus infection were identified in the country during the period.
The deadly virus may spread to different districts of the country as winter has already set in. According to the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), over 70 percent of infected people die.
Nipah virus spreads through the saliva or urine of bats in our country. 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 avoid the infected ones.
Nipah virus spreads
through the saliva
or urine of bats in
our country
So, we think it is a matter of concern as the Nipah virus infection in the country can turn deadliest this time. This virus infection is the most lethal among all communicable diseases in our county in terms of mortality rate.
According to the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (Icddr,b) the Nipah virus was first discovered in 1998 in Malaysia and was first seen in Bangladesh in 2001. Since 2001, outbreaks of Nipah virus encephalitis have occurred nearly annually in Bangladesh and India. Therefore, the raw date juice and any half-eaten fruit should not be consumed. We have noticed 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. Authorities concerned should issue directives all deputy commissioners to take immediate step in their respective districts to create awareness among the people about the impact of date raw juice drinking.
All will have to avoid raw date juice, partially eaten fruits and fruits without washing properly.
