The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk of international spread of the Nipah virus following the confirmation of two cases in India is low, advising against travel or trade restrictions. This announcement comes as several Asian countries have increased health screenings for international travelers as a precautionary measure after the virus was detected in India.
The two confirmed cases in India were reported in January 2026 in the state of West Bengal. The patients, a man and a woman, are both 25-year-old nurses working at a private hospital in the North 24 Parganas district. They began experiencing symptoms in late December 2025, which quickly progressed to neurological complications, and were placed in isolation in early January. The cases were initially identified as suspected Nipah virus infections on January 11th by the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at a government hospital in Kalyani, and confirmed by the National Institute for Virology in Pune on January 13th. As of January 21st, one patient was recovering, while the other remained in critical condition.
In response to the confirmed cases, Indian authorities initiated an extensive public health response. Contact tracing was conducted, with 196 individuals who had contact with the confirmed cases identified, monitored, and tested. All contacts have remained asymptomatic and tested negative for the virus as of January 27, 2026.
The WHO has emphasized that Nipah virus infections, while potentially severe, do not spread easily between people, requiring close and prolonged contact with an infected individual. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it primarily spreads from animals to humans, particularly through fruit bats and also through animals like pigs. Transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals or through consuming food contaminated by infected animals, such as raw date palm juice.
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection in humans can range from fever, respiratory illness, headaches and confusion to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The case fatality rate is estimated between 40% and 75%, depending on the specific outbreak and the quality of healthcare available. There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines available for Nipah virus, though several candidate products are in development. Treatment focuses on intensive supportive care to manage severe respiratory and neurological complications.
The WHO advises healthcare workers to implement standard infection prevention and control measures at all times. This includes isolating suspected or confirmed cases in single-patient rooms, using contact and droplet precautions such as well-fitting medical masks, eye protection, fluid-resistant gowns, and examination gloves. Airborne precautions are recommended during aerosol-generating procedures.
Historically, Nipah outbreaks in the WHO South-East Asia region have been limited to Bangladesh and India, occurring sporadically or in small clusters. Human-to-human transmission is rare and typically occurs in healthcare settings or among close family contacts.
Authorities in parts of Asia have increased screening and monitoring of passengers, especially those arriving from affected regions, as a precaution. The WHO recommends that any precautionary measures should be proportionate and based on risk assessment. The organization is working with Indian authorities to support surveillance, contact tracing, and public health preparedness.
This is the seventh documented Nipah outbreak in India, and the third in West Bengal, following outbreaks in 2001 and 2007. The affected districts border Bangladesh, where Nipah outbreaks occur almost annually. The WHO has identified Nipah virus as a priority disease for research and development.
Travelers can reduce the risk of infection by practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with bats and pigs, and avoiding consumption of raw date palm sap or fruits that may be contaminated by bats. The U.S. CDC said the risk of Nipah virus infection for travelers remains very low, provided basic precautions are followed.
