The World Health Organization (WHO) recently stated that the risk of Nipah virus spreading from India to other countries or regions is low. The global health agency advised against imposing any travel or trade restrictions related to the recent Nipah outbreak in India's West Bengal state. This statement came on January 30, 2026, following the confirmation of two Nipah cases in the state.[m+2]
West Bengal Outbreak Under Control
Indian health authorities confirmed two Nipah virus infection cases in West Bengal in January 2026. Both cases involved healthcare workers at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district.The patients developed severe symptoms in late December 2025 and were admitted to the hospital in early January 2026.One patient remained on mechanical ventilation as of January 21, while the other showed clinical improvement.[who+4]
Following these confirmed cases, Indian health officials quickly identified and traced 196 contacts. All these contacts were monitored and tested. Every single contact tested negative for Nipah virus and remained asymptomatic.The Indian National Centre for Disease Control announced on January 27 that no further confirmed cases have been detected in West Bengal since December 2025.This swift action indicates the outbreak is contained, limited to the hospital setting through person-to-person transmission.[m+7]
Understanding the Nipah Virus Threat
Nipah virus (NiV) is a serious and often deadly zoonotic disease. This means it can spread from animals to humans.Fruit bats, especially those of the Pteropus genus, are the natural hosts and reservoirs of the virus.The virus can also spread through contaminated food or directly from person to person through close contact.[who+14]
People infected with Nipah typically experience a range of symptoms. These can start with flu-like illness, including fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and a sore throat.Respiratory problems like coughing and difficulty breathing can also occur.The most serious complication is encephalitis, which is brain swelling.This can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and seizures.Patients can fall into a coma within 24 to 48 hours in severe cases.[who+16]
The fatality rate for Nipah virus infection is very high, estimated between 40% and 75%.There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus infection.Treatment focuses on providing intensive supportive care to manage severe respiratory and neurological complications.Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for improving survival chances.[bmj+20]
India's Strong Response Capabilities
India has faced several Nipah virus outbreaks since 2001.Previous outbreaks occurred in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007.More recently, the state of Kerala has experienced multiple outbreaks in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.In September 2023, Kerala quickly controlled an outbreak in the Kozhikode district that saw two deaths and six confirmed cases.[who+19]
India has developed robust public health measures to detect and control these outbreaks. These include established Nipah virus surveillance and the availability of Rapid Response Teams.Kerala's experience has led to improved systems, including decentralized decision-making, public awareness campaigns, and training for community health workers.The state also has biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories for rapid diagnosis.For the 2023 Kerala outbreak, 1,288 contacts were traced and monitored for 21 days.The government also implemented containment zones, restricted movement, and mandated mask-wearing.[who+6]
WHO Advises Against Travel Restrictions
The WHO emphasizes that India has demonstrated its capacity to manage Nipah outbreaks effectively.Because of the country's past success and the contained nature of the recent West Bengal cases, the WHO assessed the risk of international spread as low.The agency therefore advised against implementing any travel or trade restrictions.[m+9]
Unnecessary travel restrictions can have negative economic and social impacts. They can also hinder global efforts to respond to public health emergencies.Despite the WHO's advice, some Asian airports, including those in Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, implemented screening protocols for passengers arriving from West Bengal.These measures aimed to curb potential spread, even as the WHO sought to calm public fears.[who+2]
Preventing Nipah Virus Spread
Preventing Nipah virus infection primarily involves avoiding exposure to the virus. Public health officials recommend several key measures. People should avoid consuming raw date palm sap, as it can be contaminated by infected bats.Fruits should be thoroughly washed and peeled before eating, and any fruit showing signs of bat bites should be discarded.Avoiding contact with bats and sick animals, especially pigs, is also important.[who+11]
Good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water, is crucial.In healthcare settings, strict infection prevention and control measures are essential to limit human-to-human transmission.This includes isolating suspected or confirmed cases in single-patient rooms and using appropriate personal protective equipment like masks, eye protection, gowns, and gloves.[who+11]
The WHO continues to work closely with India's national and state health authorities. This collaboration supports ongoing risk assessment, surveillance, and outbreak response efforts.The low risk of international spread, combined with India's proven ability to manage Nipah outbreaks, means the global community can remain confident in local containment efforts.[m]
