Human Nipah Virus Infection in Bangladesh

Human Nipah virus (NiV) infection, an emerging zoonotic disease, was first recognized in a large outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore from September 1998 through May 1999. The disease also occurs in Bangladesh. Nipah surveillance in Bangladesh began in 2006. NiV is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus belonging to genus Henipavirus. The virus is transmitted through drinking of raw date palm sap (kancha khejurer rosh) contaminated with NiV or by close physical contact with Nipah infected patients. 

This year, as of 6 April 2013, 24 cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in Bangladesh, of which 21 cases have died since the beginning of 2013. These cases are from 13 different districts and include persons of 8 months age to 60 years. Sixteen cases are in males and eight in females. 

Source: Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Human Infection with Influenza A(H7N9) Virus in China

Influenza A(H7N9) is one of a subgroup of influenza viruses that normally circulate among birds. Until recently, this virus had not been seen in people. However, human infections have now been detected. On 31 March 2013, the China Health and Family Planning Commission notified the World Health Organization of three cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9). These recent reports from China are the first cases of human infection with H7N9 viruses. As of 12 April 2013, total 43 patients have been laboratory confirmed with influenza A(H7N9) virus in China, including 11 deaths. More than a thousand close contacts of the confirmed cases are being closely monitored. The Chinese government is actively investigating this event and has heightened disease surveillance. Retrospective testing of recently reported cases with severe respiratory infection may uncover additional cases that were previously unrecognized. 

WHO is in contact with national authorities and is following the event closely. At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.

Source: World Health Organization