WHO Notified of Two Nipah Virus Cases in West Bengal; Enhanced Surveillance in Place
Two Nipah virus cases confirmed in West Bengal (healthcare workers, Barasat); all 190+ contacts negative; WHO rates global risk as low.
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Key Points for RAS
- India notified WHO on January 26, 2026 of two laboratory-confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal.
- Both patients were healthcare workers aged 20-30 at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district.
- Confirmation came from the National Institute of Virology, Pune on January 13, 2026.
- Over 190 contacts identified and tested — all negative; no further cases detected.
- WHO assessed risk as moderate sub-nationally, low nationally and globally.
- India has prior Nipah outbreak experience primarily in Kerala (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023).
India notified the WHO on January 26, 2026, of two laboratory-confirmed cases of Nipah virus (NiV) infection in West Bengal. Both patients were healthcare workers aged 20-30 at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district. They developed symptoms in late December 2025 and were admitted in early January 2026. Confirmation came from the National Institute of Virology, Pune on January 13, 2026. Over 190 contacts were identified and tested — all negative. The National Centre for Disease Control announced on January 27 that no further cases were detected. WHO assessed the risk as moderate sub-nationally, low nationally and globally. India has experience managing Nipah outbreaks, primarily in Kerala (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
1 How many Nipah virus cases were reported in West Bengal in January 2026?
India notified the WHO of two laboratory-confirmed Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal on January 26, 2026. Both patients were healthcare workers in Barasat, North 24 Parganas.
2 What is Nipah virus and why is it dangerous?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (spread from animals to humans) with a case fatality rate of 40-75%. It can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness with no approved vaccine or treatment.
3 Who were the two Nipah patients in West Bengal?
Both patients were healthcare workers aged 20-30 at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
4 What is the natural host of Nipah virus?
The natural host of Nipah virus is fruit bats (Pteropus species). The virus can spread to humans directly or through intermediate hosts like pigs or contaminated food/fruit.
5 Which district in West Bengal had Nipah cases in January 2026?
Nipah virus cases were detected at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal in January 2026.
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