Nipah-like virus in Bangladesh - update

26 February 2004

As of 26 February, WHO has received reports of 22 cases, including 17 deaths attributed to Nipah-like virus infections (see previous report). Of the total cases, 11 are laboratory confirmed. An addtional 51 cases are under investigation. The changes in the number of cases is a result of a review of the case definition and the surveillance data currently being undertaken by the team of experts from WHO, partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and the Ministry of Health.

The infections have occured in five districts: Rajbari, Manikganj, Jaipurhat, Naogang and Faridpur.

Guidelines for clinical management and hospital-based surveillance for encephalitis are being developed. Ecological, sero-prevelance and case control studies are nearing completion.