Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that jumps from animals (especially fruit bats) to humans and can cause severe illness.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that jumps from animals (especially fruit bats) to humans and can cause severe illness.

First identified in Malaysia in 1998–99, Nipah has caused sporadic outbreaks in South Asia, including India and Bangladesh.

First identified in Malaysia in 1998–99, Nipah has caused sporadic outbreaks in South Asia, including India and Bangladesh.

India has confirmed two cases in West Bengal (North 24 Parganas) in late Dec 2025–Jan 2026 — both were nurses at the same private hospital.

India has confirmed two cases in West Bengal (North 24 Parganas) in late Dec 2025–Jan 2026 — both were nurses at the same private hospital.

Health authorities traced and tested about 196 contacts, all of whom remained asymptomatic and tested negative so far

Health authorities traced and tested about 196 contacts, all of whom remained asymptomatic and tested negative so far

Initial reports of five cases were clarified by India’s NCDC and Health Ministry: only two confirmed cases are official.

Initial reports of five cases were clarified by India’s NCDC and Health Ministry: only two confirmed cases are official.

The virus doesn’t spread easily like common respiratory infections; close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated food is the main risk route.

The virus doesn’t spread easily like common respiratory infections; close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated food is the main risk route.

WHO says risk beyond the affected area remains low, and no travel or trade restrictions are recommended for India.

WHO says risk beyond the affected area remains low, and no travel or trade restrictions are recommended for India.

Several Asian countries (e.g., Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore) have implemented extra airport screening as a precaution following India’s cases.

Several Asian countries (e.g., Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore) have implemented extra airport screening as a precaution following India’s cases.

There is no approved vaccine or specific cure yet, and treatment focuses on supportive medical care.

There is no approved vaccine or specific cure yet, and treatment focuses on supportive medical care.

Past Nipah outbreaks in India (Kerala, West Bengal) were successfully contained, demonstrating effective public-health response capacity.

Past Nipah outbreaks in India (Kerala, West Bengal) were successfully contained, demonstrating effective public-health response capacity.

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