The date juice collectors (Gachi) are taking preventive measures by putting a lid on the earthen made juice containers so that the bats cannot come in contact with the juice for sipping which is the origin of deadly Nipa Virus disease.
It may be mentioned here that 37 people of different ages were attacked by Nipa Virus fever in 2004 that caused the death of 27 who died within a week without getting any specific treatment. It also caused panic not only in this district but also across the country.
Later on, the health department and ICDDRB found it as Nipa Virus after diagnosis. The main symptom is convulsion with high fever. But still there is no definite drug for this disease, a senior doctor who deals with it said.
According to the doctors when the bat in the night comes for sipping the juice its mouth saliva mixes with the juice making it poisonous and people drinking the juice fell sick.
Faridpur based NGO Amora Kaj Kori (AKK) with the assistance of ICDDRB has been making awareness campaign in Nagarkanda, Sadarpur and Bhanga upazilas of this district.
AKK has so far organised awareness meetings in 408 villages of 21 unions with the juice collectors, date tree owners and social leaders for preventing Nipa Virus. The juice collectors are now putting bamboo made lid on the earthen containers. -BSS, Faridpur
