Health alerts issued as India battles nipah virus outbreak

2026-01-26 - 11:02

West Bengal, India – Health authorities in India have launched an urgent containment operation following a confirmed outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal. The situation has triggered international concern, with neighbouring countries such as Thailand introducing airport screenings for travellers arriving from the affected regions. At least five individuals, including medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, have tested positive for the deadly zoonotic virus near Kolkata. Local reports indicate that nearly 100 people have been placed under strict home quarantine to prevent further transmission. The outbreak is believed to have originated from contact with fruit bats, which are the natural reservoirs for the pathogen. Symptoms of the virus include severe respiratory distress and fatal encephalitis, with mortality rates estimated between 40 % and 75 %. As there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, health officials are focusing on early detection and isolation. Travellers are being advised to monitor for symptoms such as fever and headaches, while international health agencies remain on high alert to prevent a wider escalation.