Nipah virus

Outbreak Updates


Update #2 27 January 2026

Occurrence Update
As per the report received on January 27, 2026 from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus infection have been reported in West Bengal from December 2025 till date. In response, the Government of India, in coordination with the Government of West Bengal, has swiftly initiated all standard public health measures to control the situation.

A total of 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases were identified, traced, monitored, and tested. All contacts were found to be asymptomatic and tested negative for Nipah Virus disease.

Enhanced surveillance, along with coordinated laboratory and field investigations by Central and State health agencies, has ensured effective containment of the outbreak, with no additional cases detected so far.


Update #1 16 January 2026

Occurrence Update
As of January 16, 2026, two confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in West Bengal. Two healthcare workers from a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, were initially suspected of infection on January 13, 2026.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, has confirmed the presence of Nipah virus. Among the original patients, the female nurse from Mongolkot (Purba Bardhaman district) remains in critical condition on ventilator support, while the male nurse from Purba Medinipur district has been shifted off ventilator support.

Initial testing was conducted at AIIMS-Kalyani, after which samples were sent to NIV Pune for confirmatory testing. Epidemiological investigation suggests probable human-to-human transmission, as both nurses worked night shifts together on December 20 and 21.

In response, the West Bengal government has activated preparedness measures across public and private healthcare facilities. A dedicated isolation unit has been established at the Infectious Diseases and Beleghata General Hospital (IDBGH), Kolkata. Authorities have issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), activated helplines, initiated active surveillance, and constituted an expert committee.

Contact tracing is ongoing in North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, and Nadia districts. Approximately 100 individuals have been placed under home quarantine, with around 30 under close medical observation. The Union Health Ministry has deployed a national joint outbreak response team and assured full technical and logistical support. A special bat survey has also been initiated in Nadia district to identify the source of infection.

About Nipah Virus

Nipah virus is a zoonotic, bat-borne viral disease that can also be transmitted through pigs, which act as amplifier hosts. Human infection typically occurs through accidental “spillover” events at the human–animal interface, often driven by deforestation, habitat encroachment, and intensive farming practices.

The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days. Early symptoms resemble influenza and may include:

  • Fever
  • Headache and muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • Respiratory distress

Severe cases may progress to acute respiratory illness, encephalitis, convulsions, and coma. Nipah virus infection is associated with a high case fatality rate, estimated to range between 40% and 75%.

Possible sources of infection include consumption of raw date-palm sap (tadi/toddy) or fruits contaminated by saliva or urine of fruit bats. Infected pigs may also transmit the virus to humans through close contact.

In the current outbreak, health authorities suspect the index case may be linked to the consumption of raw date-palm sap during a family event in Nadia district between December 15 and 17.

Person-to-person transmission can occur through close contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Although Nipah virus can spread between humans, experts indicate that the current strain does not demonstrate pandemic potential.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Management relies on strict isolation, supportive care, and intensive monitoring.

*The information presented here is based on publicly available data, official reports, and health authority communications. Case numbers and details may evolve as investigations continue.

References
  • National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune
  • West Bengal State Health Department advisories
  • Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare updates


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