India moves to contain Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal as regional alerts rise

Indian health authorities are working to contain a new outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, marking the state’s first major encounter with the deadly infection in nearly two decades. As of late January 2026, at least five confirmed cases have been reported in areas near Kolkata, triggering heightened surveillance and containment measures.

The current cluster is linked to a private hospital in Barasat and includes a doctor and two nurses. One healthcare worker is reported to be in critical condition. Officials have identified more than 100 high-risk contacts, all of whom have been placed under strict quarantine as part of aggressive containment efforts.

A National Joint Outbreak Response Team from India’s Union Health Ministry has been deployed to support West Bengal authorities. The team is assisting with contact tracing, testing, and monitoring, while hospitals in the region have been instructed to follow enhanced infection-control protocols.

Although the outbreak is currently concentrated in West Bengal, states such as Kerala and Odisha remain on high alert due to their history of Nipah virus cases. Health departments in these regions have intensified screening and preparedness measures to prevent further spread.

The situation has prompted international attention, with several Asian countries reinstating health screening protocols for travelers arriving from affected areas. Thailand has introduced thermal scanning and health declarations at major airports, while Nepal has increased surveillance at land borders and Kathmandu airport, preparing designated hospitals for potential cases. Taiwan has proposed classifying Nipah as a Category 5 disease and issued Level 2 travel advisories, while China is closely monitoring developments ahead of the Lunar New Year travel surge.

Nipah virus is considered one of the world’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases, with fatality rates ranging from 40 to 75 percent. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The virus is transmitted through fruit bats, pigs, and close human-to-human contact, making early detection and strict preventive measures critical.

Health experts are advising the public in affected areas to avoid consuming raw date palm sap, thoroughly wash fruits before eating, wear masks in crowded settings, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headache, or respiratory distress develop.

Authorities continue to stress that while the outbreak is serious, swift containment measures are aimed at preventing wider transmission within India and across the region.