Nipah Virus Outbreak is 73% Fatal

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported last week Nipah virus outbreaks have been seasonal in Bangladesh, with cases usually occurring annually between December and May. 

Nipah virus is a paramyxovirus whose wildlife reservoir is the fruit bat.

However, since early January 2023 and as of February 13, 2023, the WHO reported 11 Nipah cases had been confirmed, including eight deaths (Case Fatality Rate (CFR) 73%) reported across two divisions in Bangladesh.

A multisectoral response has been implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh, including strengthened surveillance activities, case management, infection prevention and control, and implementation of risk communication campaigns.

As of February 20, 2023, the WHO assesses the risk as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the global level.

The U.S. CDC previously published a Dengue travel alert for Bangladesh, but not for this Nipha virus outbreak.

No Nipah Virus vaccines are approved, but candidate vaccines are conducting studies, such as PHV02.