Latest research has revealed that a mysterious illness recently detected in the country is not caused by the Nipah virus, but rather by a new bat-borne pathogen.

Scientists have confirmed that those affected were infected with Pteropine Orthoreovirus (PRV), which can lead to severe neurological and physical complications in humans, reports The Independent.

According to the study, five patients from various regions of Bangladesh were hospitalized between December 2022 and March 2023.

Their symptoms included fever, vomiting, headache, extreme fatigue, excessive salivation, and neurological issues.

All five patients had consumed raw date palm sap—a substance often consumed by bats and a well-known transmission route for the Nipah virus.

While the illness was initially suspected to be Nipah, diagnostic tests showed no presence of the virus in any of the patients.

Although all were discharged after several weeks of treatment, three continued to suffer from prolonged weakness, confusion, respiratory distress, and mobility issues.

One of these individuals died in 2024 due to undetermined neurological causes.

The final research findings confirmed that the actual cause of the illness is Pteropine Orthoreovirus (PRV), a virus carried by bats.

Researchers warned that the virus could become more contagious and deadly in the future through genetic recombination. This poses a potential new public health risk for Bangladesh and the wider South Asian region.

Key Recommendations from Scientists
In light of these findings, experts are urging the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Raw Sap: Refrain from drinking raw date palm sap freshly harvested from trees.
• Strengthen Surveillance: Increase epidemiological monitoring and speed up research and preparedness efforts.
• Personal Safety: Maintain personal hygiene and safe eating habits.
• Seek Medical Care: Consult a physician immediately if any suspicious symptoms appear.