ACCORDING to data provided by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), 18 cases of Nipah virus (NH1/NiV) infection had been reported in Bangladesh since the beginning of 2014 (of which 9 people died). Latest reports though show a grimmer picture in that at least three people, affected by Nipah virus, have already died in the past few days in Naogaon. Local English dailies confirmed that the deaths of two people were caused by Nipah virus (NH1/NiV) contamination after examining different samples, including their cough and blood, at IEDCR in Dhaka. One of the patients apparently fell sick after drinking date juice and was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where he died and another fell sick after eating bat-eaten jujube and was admitted to RMCH where he also died. The Civil Surgeon in charge said they were keeping the people who came in contact with the dead under close observation. IEDCR data show that the Nipah virus has a fatality rate of nearly 80 percent and was first recorded in Bangladesh in 2001. So far it has infected 284 people and caused deaths of around 200 and unfortunately there is no vaccine of Nipah virus for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care. Similarly in India, 31 people have succumbed to the Swine Flu virus in Rajasthan and the State has 115 positive cases already. According to international reports, India’s government is providing free tests for swine flu in order to protect the public from the deadly virus and raise awareness.If an uncontrollable outbreak of the Nipah virus occurs, we are probably looking at a dark future ahead of us. The Bangladesh government has shown time and again its ineptitude in solving immediate problems effectively or handling national disasters. Political chaos aside, the government failed to properly respond to the oil spillage in the Sundarbans as well as rescue a single child who was trapped in a pipe underground. What will the government do if a viral epidemic hits Bangladesh? We do not have adequate resources to contain a full-fledged contamination, let alone skilled officials or manpower to do so. We should learn a thing or two from our neighbours and make genuine efforts in raising awareness about the Nipah virus so that people can prevent contamination. The government needs to be on alert as swine from India migrate to Bangladesh as well as help conduct better research on how to prevent getting the Nipah virus. It is a matter of grave concern and the Bangladesh government should own up to its duties and take responsible steps to ensure the healthy wellbeing of the people before it is too late. It is better to go for preventive measures before Nipah contamination reaches an unmanageable proportion.
