Nipah virus death reported in Bangladesh; WHO claims low global risk

The World Health Organization confirmed that a woman in Bangladesh died after contracting the deadly Nipah virus.

According to WHO, the 40 to 50-year-old woman from Naogaon District in Rajshahi Division developed symptoms on January 21, including fever, headache, hypersalivation, disorientation and tremors. She was admitted to hospital at the end of the month and died on January 28, with laboratory tests confirming Nipah infection on January 29.

The woman had no recent travel history, but according to reports, she had consumed raw date palm fluid, a risk factor for NiV transmission. 

Furthermore, 35 people who had contact with the woman are being monitored and all have tested negative, with no additional cases detected so far.

Bangladesh reports small Nipah outbreaks almost every year, typically between December and April. In 2025, four confirmed fatal cases were reported in the country.

There are no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for the infection, so public health efforts focus on surveillance, contact tracing and supportive care.

However, WHO claims that the risk of international spread is low and does not recommend travel or trade restrictions at this time.