Nipah Virus Encephalitis Reemergence, Bangladesh

Authors: Vincent P. Hsu, Mohammed Jahangir Hossain, Umesh D. Parashar, Mohammed Monsur Ali, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Ivan Kuzmin, Michael Niezgoda, Charles Rupprecht, Joseph Bresee, Robert F. Breiman

Year: 2001

Journal: Not specified in the text

Summary

Two outbreaks of encephalitis in Meherpur and Naogaon, Bangladesh, occurred in 2001 and 2003. The paper investigates these outbreaks, identifies cases through serum sampling, and suggests that transmission may occur through close contact with other patients or from exposure to a common source.

Key Findings

13 cases (4 confirmed, 9 probable) in Meherpur
Patients were more likely than nonpatients to have close contact with other patients or have contact with a sick cow
In Naogaon, 12 cases (4 confirmed, 8 probable)
Two Pteropus bats had antibodies for Nipah virus
Surveillance and enhancement of diagnostic capacity to detect Nipah virus infection are recommended

Methodology

Study Type: Retrospective investigation
Sample Size: 13 cases in Meherpur, 12 cases in Naogaon (no specific sample size for other groups mentioned)
Geographic Focus: Meherpur and Naogaon, Bangladesh
Time Period: 2001 and 2003

Topics

Epidemiology, Virology

Relevance

The paper adds to the understanding of Nipah virus transmission patterns, particularly in Bangladesh.

Source

View the entire paper: File:04-0701.pdf