Published: 29 January 2026WHO / CDCHealth
Nipah Virus West Bengal: WHO Situation Report — Outbreak Contained; One Health Surveillance Recommended
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a situation report on the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, around January 30, 2026.
The outbreak was identified in West Bengal in early January 2026 and a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) was sent to West Bengal. A total of 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases were identified, traced, monitored and tested; all were asymptomatic and tested negative, and no additional Nipah cases had been detected so far. WHO states the incubation period is usually 3-14 days, with rare cases up to 45 days.
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen — naturally hosted by fruit bats of the genus Pteropus — that causes severe encephalitis and respiratory illness in humans. The case fatality rate ranges from 40-75% depending on outbreak context, making it one of WHO's priority pathogens for research and preparedness. Human infection occurs through direct contact with infected bats, consumption of bat-contaminated food (date palm sap, fruit), or human-to-human transmission through close contact.
WHO's report noted that investigations were conducted through a One Health coordinated approach and that surveillance was strengthened — recognising the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health to enable early detection of spillover events.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the One Health approach noted by WHO in the context of Nipah virus?
The One Health approach recognises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. WHO noted that investigations into the West Bengal Nipah outbreak were conducted through a One Health coordinated approach, with strengthened surveillance to enable early detection of spillover events.
What is the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) and what was its role?
NJORT is India's multi-agency outbreak response body. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team was sent to West Bengal after the Nipah outbreak was identified, supporting investigation and contact tracing of the confirmed cases.
Why is Nipah virus considered a WHO priority pathogen?
Nipah virus has a high case fatality rate of 40-75%, limited treatment options (no approved vaccine or antiviral), human-to-human transmission potential, and zoonotic spillover risk from bat populations. These characteristics make it a pandemic risk pathogen requiring research and preparedness investment.
How does Nipah virus transmit to humans?
Nipah virus transmits from fruit bats (Pteropus genus) to humans through direct bat contact, consumption of bat-contaminated food (date palm sap, raw fruit), or close human-to-human contact. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable in the absence of proper PPE.
What was the outcome of the 196-contact monitoring in the West Bengal Nipah outbreak?
WHO reported that 196 contact persons linked to the confirmed Nipah cases were identified, traced, monitored and tested. All were asymptomatic and tested negative; no additional Nipah cases had been detected so far.
