The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the public that the risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading beyond India remains low.
The guidance comes after Indian health authorities confirmed two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal.
The WHO on Friday said there is no need for travel or trade restrictions following the reported cases of Nipah virus infection in India. The global health body emphasized that while Nipah can be deadly, its spread between humans is limited.
“The situation is being closely monitored,” the WHO stated, noting that containment measures in India have been effective so far.
India’s health ministry confirmed that two health workers in West Bengal were infected in late December 2025. Of the 196 contacts traced, all tested negative and remained asymptomatic. Both patients are currently receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Authorities have implemented constant monitoring and necessary public health measures to prevent further spread.
Understanding Nipah virus
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals, such as fruit bats and pigs, to humans. It can also spread through person-to-person contact or contaminated food.
Symptoms typically begin within three to four days after a 5–14 day incubation period. Infection can progress from fever and headache to acute encephalitis, causing confusion, convulsions, and in severe cases, coma.
The case fatality rate is high, ranging from 40% to 75%, but the virus’s basic reproduction number is generally below one. This means each patient infects fewer than one person on average, limiting human-to-human spread.
The WHO has highlighted that current outbreak control measures in India are effective, and neighboring countries should continue to strengthen screening and surveillance at borders and airports.
Several Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia, have already enhanced health checks amid Lunar New Year travel.
Nipah virus was first identified in 1998 in Malaysia and Singapore, affecting pig farmers and butchers. Since 2001, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India, often linked to consumption of contaminated food or close contact with infected patients.
India first recorded Nipah cases in West Bengal in 2007, while a retrospective review traced an earlier outbreak to Siliguri city in 2001, primarily affecting hospital staff and visitors.
Pakistan on high alert
Following the WHO alert, Pakistan has tightened health surveillance at all entry points, citing the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission. Authorities are monitoring travelers from affected regions and reinforcing preventive measures.
