One Health is an integrated approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This concept became widely acknowledged in the early 1900s, and in recent years, outbreaks such as Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19 have further highlighted its significance.

One Health aims to tackle complex health challenges, such as zoonotic diseases (those that spread from animals to humans), antibiotic resistance, and environmental degradation. The approach fosters collaboration across various sectors, encouraging coordinated efforts to address health threats at the interface of humans, animals, and ecosystems.

In Bangladesh, where humans, animals, and the environment are in constant contact, One Health is vital to managing health risks. The country is highly vulnerable to zoonotic diseases like avian flu, leptospirosis, and, notably, Nipah virus.

Nipah virus (NiV), which emerged as a zoonotic threat over the past 25 years, is one of the most dangerous pathogens, with a high fatality rate. Bangladesh has experienced the highest number of NiV cases, reporting 341 cases and 241 deaths, leading to a fatality rate of 71%. This deadly virus is primarily transmitted by fruit bats, which can infect animals such as pigs. Humans become infected through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated food sources.

One of the major routes of transmission of NiV in Bangladesh is through the consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by bat saliva or urine. This sap, commonly consumed in the region, can cause severe symptoms, including fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the infection can lead to encephalitis (brain inflammation), respiratory distress, seizures, and coma. The virus can rapidly progress to brain swelling and respiratory failure, often resulting in death. While some survivors recover, they may experience long-term neurological complications.

The importance of the One Health approach in addressing Nipah virus cannot be overstated. Efforts to prevent outbreaks must focus on monitoring bat populations, improving surveillance systems, and raising public awareness. Educating the public about the risks of consuming raw date palm sap and encouraging boiling the sap before consumption can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus, and management primarily involves supportive care. Governments, both nationally and globally, must continue to collaborate to improve surveillance, share data, and enhance early warning systems.

The Nipah virus outbreaks in Bangladesh highlight the critical importance of the One Health approach. Addressing the complex interaction between human, animal, and environmental health is essential for preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health. By working together across sectors and borders, countries can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases and strengthen global health security.

The writer is a project research physician at IDD, icddr,b. E-mail: mahbubamim95@gmail.com