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, organised by the Damurhuda unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

Ismail Hossain, president of the upazila Shuvosangho, presided over the meeting, attended by 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.

Abu Bakar, a retired senior staff nurse of Damurhuda Upazila Health Complex and a member of Shuvosangho, delivered the keynote speech. During the winter season, the Nipah virus can spread through raw date palm sap or fruits partially eaten by bats, he said, urging everyone to exercise special caution when consuming these items.

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, adding, boiling the sap before consumption eliminates the risk of Nipah virus transmission.

Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of individual awareness, as well as educating neighbours and community members.

They stressed the need for heightened social awareness during the winter months to effectively prevent Nipah virus infections.