The New Nation - Internet Edition

BANGLADESH is once again facing Nipah virus threat that has already claimed some lives. In earlier cases of outbreak of the disease, more than one hundred people had died. It is gathered from media reports that at least eight people died after the latest outbreak. Reportedly 89 people died of the disease in 2001 and 40 in 2004. The Nipah virus induces flu-like symptoms that often lead to encephalitis. The mortality rate is as high as 70 per cent. Investigations indicated people got infected by drinking date juice that might have had been contaminated by bats, the known carrier of the virus.

The outbreak of the disease shows a pattern. The spread of the disease has been detected in the districts of Manikganj and Rajbari. In the earlier cases also Rajbari and some adjoining districts were affected. It may provide some clues to the spread of the disease. Date juice is a winter product. If the disease has been caused by intake of raw juice, the spread of the disease is supposed to be seasonal. This might also give an idea on how to fight the disease. Though casualties are still low the recurrence of the disease merits thorough investigation.

Though the disease has not assumed alarming proportions, it is expected that the authorities would be quick to deploy teams of expert physicians to the areas. Mass awareness should be raised to prevent the spread of the ailment. People should be warned against taking raw date juice that runs the risk of being contaminated by bats. Experts have advised boiling the juice before drinking. The joy of taking raw date juice can, however, be sustained only by preventing bats from contaminating the drink harvested from date trees. This can be ensured by using nets.