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Nipah Virus Alert: WHO Says India Risk Low
30 Jan
Summary
- WHO states Nipah virus risk in India remains low.
- Two nurses from a West Bengal hospital confirmed infected.
- All 196 contacts tested negative for the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk of the Nipah virus spreading from India is low, therefore no travel or trade restrictions are advised. This clarification comes as two cases were confirmed in West Bengal, involving two 25-year-old nurses from a private hospital in Barasat. Both developed severe neurological symptoms in late December 2025 and were isolated in early January.
A robust public health response identified and monitored 196 contacts. As of January 27, all contacts tested negative, and no new cases have been detected. The WHO considers the national and international spread risk to be low, though sub-national risk in West Bengal is moderate due to potential bat spillover.
This situation marks India's seventh Nipah outbreak and the third in West Bengal. Nipah is a zoonotic disease with no licensed vaccine or treatment, making early detection and supportive care critical. Several South Asian countries have enhanced airport screening measures as a precaution.
