Health authorities across Asia have intensified monitoring and travel screening after India confirmed fresh cases of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, reigniting fears over the spread of one of the world’s most lethal zoonotic diseases.
Indian officials confirmed that two nurses at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital in Barasat, around 16 miles from Kolkata, tested positive for the Nipah virus. One nurse remains in critical condition, while the other is undergoing treatment.
According to West Bengal’s Health and Family Welfare Department, the nurses worked together between 28 and 30 December. They developed high fever and respiratory distress within days and were admitted to intensive care on 4 January.
Preliminary investigations suggest the infections occurred while treating a patient with severe respiratory symptoms who later died before Nipah testing could be conducted.
Authorities are treating the deceased patient as the suspected index case, with investigations ongoing.
Health officials said the case was likely missed rather than misdiagnosed, underlining how easily Nipah infections can evade early detection. Testing criteria are now being expanded to help clinicians identify suspected cases more quickly.
Quarantine Measures and National Alert in India
Authorities launched immediate containment measures after the outbreak. Officials tested around 180 people and quarantined 20 high-risk contacts. All tested negative so far and will undergo repeat testing before the 21-day incubation period ends.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a nationwide alert, urging states to tighten surveillance and infection-control measures.
Several states, including Tamil Nadu, directed hospitals to closely monitor Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases, which can conceal Nipah infections.
Concern quickly spread across Asia. Thailand began screening passengers arriving from India at major airports, with a focus on travellers from West Bengal.
Nepal intensified health checks at international airports and land borders, while Taiwan announced plans to classify Nipah infection as a top-tier notifiable disease. Taiwan continues to maintain a Level 2 travel alert for Kerala while closely monitoring developments in eastern India.
The World Health Organisation lists Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its epidemic potential.
Fruit bats primarily carry the virus, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Past outbreaks recorded fatality rates between 40 and 75 per cent, with symptoms rapidly progressing from fever to severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.
Health experts warn that delayed detection, especially in hospitals, places healthcare workers and communities at the highest risk.
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