The World Health Organization (WHO) has mentioned that it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions in response to the Nipah virus cases reported in West Bengal. It also noted that risk beyond the affected area remains low. The assessment comes after India confirmed two Nipah infections this month in the North 24 Parganas district.
India’s Union Health Ministry has also advised people to ignore rumours and rely on official updates after some countries reportedly reintroduced Covid-style health checks at the airports. The ministry stated “speculative and incorrect figures” were being circulated and clarified that only two confirmed cases have been reported in West Bengal since December.
What is the most recent update on the Nipah cases in West Bengal?
According to WHO, the two confirmed cases involved two 25-year-old nurses a woman and a man, who worked at the same hospital in Barasat (North 24 Parganas). Both of them developed initial symptoms in the last week of December 2025, which rapidly resulted in neurological complications. They were kept in isolation in early January. The cases were flagged as suspected Nipah on January 11 by a VRDL at a government hospital in Kalyani, and later were confirmed by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, on January 13.
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On January 21, the male patient was reported to be recovering, whereas the female patient continued to be in critical condition. WHO stated that no additional cases have been reported as of January 27, 2026.
Should one avoid travel or trade because of this outbreak?
As per the evidence collected by the WHO, it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions. It evaluated the sub-national risk in West Bengalas moderate. It also cited the presence of the fruit bat reservoirs in border regions and the possibility of sporadic spillover, but mentioned that the national, regional, and global risk remains low. WHO also observed that there was no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission. So, the chances of spread to other Indian states or internationally are considered low.
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196 contacts of the two confirmed cases have been identified, tracked, monitored, and tested. All of them remained asymptomatic and tested negative. The national government has also developed an outbreak response team to assist the state with enhanced surveillance, field investigations, and infection prevention measures. The targeted risk communications, including advice to avoid consuming raw date palm sap, have also been issued.
The Union Health Ministry has also stated that all 196 traced contacts tested negative and that coordinated central-state measures helped in containing the cases. It has also advised the public and media to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unverified news.
Singapore, Thailand tighten airport checks; Australia monitors situation
As per a report by IANS, Singapore has announced temperature screening at Changi Airport for flights that are coming from affected areas and will also issue health advisories for travellers at entry points. On the other hand, Thailand has also set up enhanced screening for flights from Best Bengal, including pre-departure checks, health declaration forms, and temperature screening upon arrival. Australia’s Health Minister Mark Butler also stated that the country is closely reviewing the outbreak in Asia. |
