WHO Chief: Nipah Virus Cases in India Rare but Serious

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday warned that Nipah virus cases are rare but can be severe, emphasizing that the current outbreak is limited to India.

In a post on X, Ghebreyesus noted, “The two cases of Nipah virus infection reported in West Bengal are the third in this state since the virus was first identified in 1998.” He added that over 190 contacts are being monitored, with none showing signs of infection so far.

The WHO chief highlighted that Indian authorities have stepped up surveillance and testing, implemented prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, and are keeping the public informed about protective measures.

This statement follows a WHO assessment that the virus currently poses a low risk of spreading, and that no travel or trade restrictions are required. The health body also noted no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission, keeping the overall risk low.

The two confirmed cases in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district involved nurses. Both showed improvement after initial hospitalization: the male nurse has been discharged, while the female nurse, removed from ventilator support, remains under observation. The WHO noted that both developed symptoms typical of severe Nipah virus infection in late December 2025 and were admitted in early January 2026.

Nipah virus is transmitted from bats to humans, often through close contact or contaminated food. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, and headaches, and infection can lead to swelling of the brain. Fatality rates range between 40% and 75%, making early detection and containment crucial.