A discussion on preventive measures against the Nipah virus was held in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga.

The programme took place on Saturday at the upazila stadium field, organised by the Damurhuda unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

The meeting was presided over by Ismail Hossain, president of the upazila Shuvosangho. Among those present were the organisation’s Adviser Habibur Rahman, Vice Presidents Haji Abdul Kadir and Asmat Ali Biswas, Literature and Publication Secretary Abdul Alim, member Sheikh Hathem Ali, and local youth representatives.

The keynote speech was delivered by Abu Bakar, a retired senior staff nurse of Damurhuda Upazila Health Complex and a member of Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

He explained that during the winter season, the Nipah virus can spread through raw date palm sap, tal (palm) sap, or fruits partially eaten by bats.

He urged everyone to exercise special caution when consuming these items during winter.

He further advised that if consuming date or palm sap is necessary, the collection containers should be carefully covered to prevent bats from sitting on them. Sap collected from trees that bats do not frequent is relatively safer, he said. Additionally, boiling the sap before consumption eliminates the risk of Nipah virus transmission.

Speakers at the programme emphasised the importance of individual awareness as well as educating neighbors and community members. They stressed the need for heightened social awareness during the winter months to effectively prevent Nipah virus infections.