Indian authorities say they have contained a small Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in West Bengal and tracing 196 contacts, all of whom tested negative. Several neighboring countries have tightened airport screenings and border checks as a precaution. Health officials stress ongoing monitoring, quarantine measures and readiness despite early reports of a larger surge being called speculative. Nipah has no vaccine and a high fatality rate; past outbreaks in India include West Bengal (2001, 2007) and a deadly 2018 event in Kerala.
India Says Nipah Outbreak Contained After Two Cases; Neighbors Tighten Airport Screenings
Narayana Multispeciality Hospital where two Nipah cases had been detected since December is seen in Barasat, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian authorities say a small Nipah virus outbreak has been contained after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal. The Health Ministry reported that the infections were detected since December and that all identified contacts have been traced, quarantined and tested.
Contact Tracing and Current Status
The ministry said 196 contacts were identified and that all test results returned negative. Officials provided few personal details about the patients but emphasized that the situation is "under constant monitoring" and that necessary public health measures are in place.
In this photograph provided by the public relations department of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Quarantine doctors watch thermal scanning of travelers from west Bengal, India at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn, Thailand, on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Public relations department of Suvarnabhumi International Airport via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
What Is Nipah?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in the 1990s. It can spread from fruit bats and pigs to humans and can also be transmitted between people. Symptoms range from fever and vomiting to convulsions and severe respiratory or neurological illness. There is no licensed vaccine; treatment is limited to supportive care to manage complications and keep patients comfortable.
Risk and Fatality
According to the World Health Organization, Nipah has an estimated case fatality rate of 40% to 75%, making it considerably more lethal than many common viral infections. That high fatality range underscores why health authorities respond quickly to suspected cases.
A stray dog roams at the entrance of the Infectious Diseases and Beliaghata General Hospital, in Kolkata, India, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Regional Precautions
While no cases have been reported outside India in this event, several Asian countries have strengthened airport and border screening as a precaution. Authorities in Indonesia and Thailand increased checks at major airports, introducing health declarations, temperature screening and visual monitoring. Thailand's Department of Disease Control said thermal scanners were installed at arrival gates for direct flights from West Bengal at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Myanmar advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and urged travelers to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear within 14 days of travel. It also intensified fever surveillance measures established during the COVID-19 pandemic and readied testing capacity and medical supplies. Vietnam called for strict food safety practices and greater monitoring at border crossings and health facilities. China reported enhanced disease-prevention measures in border areas, including risk assessments, staff training and expanded testing capability.
Context and Past Outbreaks
Earlier Nipah outbreaks were recorded in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007. More recent cases in India have mostly occurred in Kerala, where a 2018 outbreak killed at least 17 people. Health officials have characterized early media reports suggesting a larger surge as "speculative and incorrect," while urging continued vigilance and preparedness.
Associated Press journalists across Asia contributed to this report.
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