"This epidemiological bulletin aims to provide the situation of key infectious diseases in the WHO South-East Asia Region to inform risk assessments and responses. The bulletin uses information from publicly available sources and will be published every two weeks. For feedback or suggestions, please write to [email protected]. Key events and updates India: Nipah virus infection Situation overview (as of 21 July 2024) • On 21 July, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of India and Kerala State authority issued press releases regarding a Nipah virus case in Kerala state. A 14-year-old boy from Mallapuram exhibited Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) symptoms and was admitted to a healthcare facility. However, the patient later succumbed to the disease. The samples were sent to the National Institute for Virology (NIV) in Pune, where Nipah virus infection was confirmed. The MoHFW had advised the following immediate public health measures to be taken by the State government: Active case search in the family of the confirmed case, the neighborhood, and areas with similar topography. Active contact tracing (for any contacts) for the previous 12 days. Strict quarantine of the contacts of the case and isolation of any suspects. Collection and transportation of samples for laboratory testing. State health authorities highlighted that Kerala has taken timely measures to address Nipah virus infections. As of 23 July, 17 individuals were tested negative for Nipah, which included six friends who had direct contact with the 14-year-old Nipah case, and a 68-year-old symptomatic person who had no direct contact. The NIV’s mobile laboratory had arrived in in Kozhikode and started functioning for Nipah testing. As of 23 July, 460 people are in the contact list. Of these, 142 are health workers, and 101 are considered highrisk, and 19 individuals on the contact list are admitted to hospitals for treatment. No symptoms have been reported among the close contacts of the case (family members). Psychological support has been provided for those in the contact list, with 329 people supported through the call center. More than 18 000 houses in Pandikkad and Anakayath were visited to identify cases with fever. Online classes are being held in schools in Nipah-affected areas. WHO resources on Nipah Virus Infection Nipah virus infection https://www.who.int/health-topics/nipah-virus-infection#tab=tab_1 WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for the prevention and control of Nipah virus infection 2023–2030 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290210849 Technical Brief: Enhancing readiness for a Nipah virus event in countries not reporting a Nipah virus event https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290211273 India: Chandipura virus Situation overview On 20 July 2024, the MOHFW of India5 published a press release reporting Chandipura virus (CHPV) cases and deaths. Since early June 2024, cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been reported in children under 15 years of age in the state of Gujarat. As of 20 July 2024, a total of 78 AES cases have been reported, with 75 from 21 districts/corporations in Gujarat, 2 from Rajasthan, and 1 from Madhya Pradesh. Of these, 28 cases have resulted in death. Among the 76 samples tested at the NIV in Pune, nine have been confirmed positive for Chandipura Virus (CHPV). All nine CHPV-positive cases and five associated deaths are from Gujarat. On 24 July 2024, unverified media6 reported a total of 101 AES cases including 38 deaths in Gujarat state. >- The statewide fumigation and sanitation drive has covered 4,160,000 houses with mud walls. Insecticides have been sprayed in over 62,000 homes. Myanmar: Acute Watery Diarrhea Situation overview On 7 July, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar reported through its press release outbreak of acute watery diarrhea had started in Yangon region in early June. Since late June, severe diarrhea cases have been admitted to hospitals in some townships in the eastern district of Yangon, including Thaketa Township. As of 22 July 2024, a total of 1 141 acute watery diarrhea cases were hospitalized and 139 severe diarrhea patients including one death were reported. Efforts are ongoing and being intensified to control the disease in Yangon Region. Management of Acute Severe Gastroenteritis (Clinically suspected Cholera) (July 2024) was published by Ministry of Health. Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar): Acute Watery Diarrhea/Cholera Situation overview From 23 June to 23 July 2024, 76 rapid diagnostic test-positive acute watery diarrhea (AWD) / suspected cholera cases were detected and reported in Cox’s Bazar, of which 65 were culture-positive for cholera. No confirmed cholera fatalities have been reported since the upsurge began in epidemiological week 26. Majority of culture-confirmed cholera cases have been reported from Rohingya Refugee Camps, while a few cases are from the surrounding host Bangladesh population. The Multi-sectoral Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Response Team is investigating and responding to the outbreak in all affected camps. Bangladesh: Civil unrest Situation overview During the week starting on 15 July 2024, several protests took place within the capital of Bangladesh resulting in deaths and thousands of injured individuals. Additionally, protests took place nationwide as civil unrest escalated throughout the week. According to informal media reports, there have been at least 173 deaths as of 23 July 2024. No protests were reported on Monday 22 July. A government curfew took effect at midnight on 20 July and two public holidays were declared due to the situation in the country..."