Risk of Nipah virus transmission through date palm sap trade in Bangladesh: a qualitative ethnographic study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nipah virus is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with pandemic potential, primarily transmitted through the consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated with bat excretions. Despite recurring outbreaks in Bangladesh since 2001, limited research has explored sap harvesting and trading practices. This study aimed to understand raw date palm sap collection, trade, and the risk of Nipah virus spillover at the community level in Bangladesh.

Methods

A qualitative ethnographic study was conducted in two districts of Bangladesh associated with recurrent outbreaks in February 2021 and March 2022. We recorded participant observations and conducted ethnographic interviews with raw date palm sap collectors to gather data on collection, trading practices, and protective measures

SUBMITTER: Khan AKMD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12636189 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature