What Is Nipah Virus? India Reports Fresh Cases, Health Authorities on Alert

A rare and deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India has put health officials and governments on alert across Asia. The recent two cases reported in West Bengal have once again brought global attention to this rare but extremely dangerous infection. Even though the cases have been contained, several countries are introducing airport screenings and health checks for travellers. 

Nipah is among the most lethal viruses that have no vaccine, no specific cure, and no guaranteed treatment. It can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, from one person to another.

What is the Nipah virus?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. The virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak of brain infection (encephalitis) and respiratory illness among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore.

Since then, Nipah outbreaks have been reported mainly in South Asia. Several districts in Bangladesh and parts of northeast India have seen repeated cases, with Bangladesh reporting outbreaks almost every year since 2001. In India, Kerala recorded its first outbreak in 2018, followed by a few isolated cases in later years.

Outside South Asia, infections have also been reported in the Philippines, believed to be caused by Nipah or a closely related virus.

Scientific studies have confirmed that fruit bats are the natural carriers of the Nipah virus. The virus has been found in bat urine in Malaysia, and antibodies have been detected in over 20 bat species across Asia and parts of Africa. However, human outbreaks have so far remained limited to South and Southeast Asia, mostly in rural or semi-rural areas where people, animals and bats live close together.

WHO has also confirmed that human-to-human transmission can occur, especially among family members and healthcare workers caring for infected patients.

Why is Nipah so deadly?

Nipah virus has a very high death rate, ranging between 40 and 75 per cent, depending on the outbreak. Doctors say the virus causes severe breathing problems and inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. The disease can worsen quickly, often leading to coma or death.

West Bengal Nipah cases

India has reported two confirmed Nipah cases in West Bengal since late December 2025. Both patients were healthcare workers. 

India's health ministry said this week that authorities have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two cases, with none showing symptoms and all testing negative for the virus.

However, even a single case triggers global concern because of the virus’s pandemic potential.

What are the symptoms?

Nipah infection usually starts with common symptoms, making it hard to detect early. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incubation period ranges from 4 to 21 days.

Early symptoms include fever, headache, body pain, tiredness and weakness. Some patients may also develop cough, breathing difficulty or pneumonia.

The most serious and defining complication of Nipah infection is inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. Neurological symptoms, including confusion, altered consciousness, seizures or coma, usually appear several days to weeks after the initial onset of illness. Some patients may also develop meningitis.

Symptoms of Nipah Virus in humans can range from fever and headache to respiratory distress and neurological complications.
Early recognition of these symptoms and timely medical care are critical to reducing severity and preventing complications.#NipahVirus#HealthAwareness… pic.twitter.com/odW9baGomD

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 20, 2026

Is there any treatment?

According to the World Health Organisation. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah virus infection. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Because the early signs resemble common viral infections, delays in diagnosis can lead to serious complications.

Even though there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine available for people infected by the virus, the University of Oxford has been conducting clinical trials in Bangladesh to test a Nipah virus vaccine and launched the second phase of trials last month.

Doctors have used antiviral drugs like Ribavirin during past outbreaks, including in Malaysia in 1999, but their effectiveness remains uncertain. 

The CDC has also noted that Remdesivir showed preventive benefits in animal studies. During a Nipah outbreak in Kerala in 2023, Remdesivir was used and was linked to improved survival rates.

How can Nipah virus be prevented?

With no vaccine available, prevention is the most important step. Health agencies recommend simple but strict precautions.

Fruit bats are the main source of the virus. People should avoid eating fruits that may have been bitten by bats and should not consume raw date palm sap. Boiling fresh date palm juice and thoroughly washing or peeling fruits can reduce the risk. Any fruit showing signs of bat bites should be discarded, the health agency advises. WHO guidelines advise.

Those handling sick animals or working in slaughterhouses should wear gloves and protective clothing. Contact with infected pigs should be avoided, and pig farms in bat-prone areas should protect animal feed and shelters from bats.

Avoid close contact with infected persons. Frequent hand washing and using protective gear while caring for patients can help prevent human-to-human transmission.

Follow these essential precautions to prevent Nipah Virus infection. Stay alert, stay informed, and follow advisories issued by local health authorities.#NipahVirus#PublicHealth#HealthForAllpic.twitter.com/itTuZA18ev

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 22, 2026

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