Nipah Virus Cases Detected in West Bengal: Health Officials Respond

Two suspected cases of the Nipah virus have been reported in West Bengal, leading to urgent health measures by authorities. The affected individuals, both healthcare workers, are in critical condition and receiving treatment. The state health department is tracing contacts to prevent further spread. This outbreak raises concerns as the Nipah virus is known for its severe health implications. The Union health ministry is providing support to manage the situation effectively. Read on for more details about the response and historical context of the virus in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 14:31 IST

Emerging Nipah Virus Cases in West Bengal

On Monday, two individuals were identified as suspected cases of Nipah virus infection at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in West Bengal, as announced by Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

The Nipah virus is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals, such as pigs and fruit bats, to humans. Additionally, it can spread through human-to-human contact.

Symptoms include fever and cold-like signs, but in severe cases, it can lead to encephalitis, which is brain inflammation, and myocarditis, or heart inflammation.

The affected individuals, a male and a female, are healthcare professionals working at a private hospital in Barasat, located in North 24 Parganas district. They are currently receiving treatment at the same facility, according to reports from a local media outlet.

Prior to their illness, they had visited their homes in East Midnapore and East Burdwan in December. Notably, they do not have any travel history outside the state, as stated by West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty.

Both patients are reported to be in a very critical state and are on ventilator support.

The health department of the state is actively tracing individuals who may have been in contact with the healthcare workers in North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, and Nadia districts. Investigations are underway to determine how the infection was contracted.

The Union health ministry has pledged comprehensive technical, logistical, and operational assistance to the West Bengal government regarding this situation.

Furthermore, a national joint outbreak response team has been dispatched to aid the state in managing the infections and implementing public health measures.

This national response team includes specialists from various institutions, such as Kolkata’s All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, the National Institute of Virology in Pune, the National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Kalyani, along with the wildlife department of the Union environment and forest ministry.

Historically, the last Nipah virus outbreaks in West Bengal occurred in 2001 and 2007, while the most recent outbreak in India was reported in Kerala in August.