The West Bengal Health Department has confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus in the state after five healthcare workers tested positive. The outbreak was first detected around mid-January 2026 at a private hospital in Barasat, near Kolkata. Authorities have moved quickly to contain the spread, and currently, nearly 100 close contacts have been placed under strict home quarantine. A central team from the Union Health Ministry is already on the ground to assist the state government.
What is the current situation in West Bengal?
The first cases were identified when two nurses at a private facility in Barasat showed symptoms and tested positive. Since then, three more healthcare staff, including a doctor and another nurse, have been confirmed infected. According to the latest reports, one female nurse is in critical condition and is on a ventilator, while a male nurse is showing signs of improvement. Samples from fruit bats are being collected from the Alipore Zoo area to trace the source of the infection.
Key Statistics of the Outbreak
| Total Confirmed Cases | 5 (All Healthcare Workers) |
| People Quarantined | Nearly 100 (Home Quarantine) |
| Critical Patients | 1 (Female Nurse) |
| Affected Locations | Barasat, Kolkata (West Bengal) |
What are the government guidelines?
The Health Department has issued strict protocols for managing the situation. High-risk contacts who were exposed to bodily fluids or shared confined spaces with patients must undergo a 21-day home quarantine. These individuals are being monitored twice daily for any symptoms. Suspected cases are being isolated in designated facilities with full protective gear for staff. There is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for Nipah, so doctors are relying on supportive care and experimental antivirals.
Are there travel restrictions?
While there is no confirmed screening at domestic Indian airports yet, international authorities have taken note. Thailand has started screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at its airports, including Suvarnabhumi and Phuket. The National Joint Outbreak Response Team is coordinating with local officials to ensure all protocols are followed to prevent further transmission.
