WHO Chief Warns Nipah Virus Cases Are Rare But Serious, Outbreak Limited To India

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 10:37 IST

Ghebreyesus said surveillance and testing of Nipah virus had been increased, prevention and control measures were in place in healthcare settings.

WHO said Nipah virus outbreak in India has a ‘low risk’ of spreading. (File photo)

World Health Organisation Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that Nipah virus cases are rare but serious. He said the recent cases linked to the outbreak were limited to India and had not been reported by any other country.

In a post on X, he wrote that the two cases reported in West Bengal were the third in the state since the virus was first identified in 1998.

Ghebreyesus said authorities in India were following over 190 contacts and none had developed the disease so far. He added that surveillance and testing had been increased, prevention and control measures were in place in healthcare settings, and the public was being informed on how to protect themselves.

WHO says risk of spread is low

A day earlier, the WHO said the virus posed a low risk of spreading and there was no need for travel or trade restrictions. The health body also said there was no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission.

Two cases were confirmed in North 24 Parganas district, both nurses. Health officials later said their condition improved and they tested negative. The male nurse was discharged, while the female nurse was taken off ventilator support and kept under observation.

The WHO said both developed symptoms in late December 2025 and were admitted in early January 2026. As of January 21, the second case showed improvement, while the first remained under critical care.

Nipah is a rare but serious disease.The two case of Nipah virus infection reported by India in West Bengal are the third in this state since the virus was first identified in 1998. No cases have been reported in any other country linked to this outbreak. Indian authorities… pic.twitter.com/u0VYEerWnv— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 31, 2026

How Nipah virus spreads

The virus spreads from bats to humans through close contact or contaminated food. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain and headaches, making detection difficult. Infection can cause swelling of the brain, with a death rate between 40% and 75%.

News world WHO Chief Warns Nipah Virus Cases Are Rare But Serious, Outbreak Limited To India

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