Quick Read
- Two healthcare workers in Kolkata, India, confirmed Nipah virus cases on January 13, 2026.
- Thailand, Pakistan, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented health screenings at international airports for flights from the affected Indian region.
- The Nipah virus is zoonotic, primarily spread by fruit bats, with a fatality rate of 40-75%.
- There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah virus disease.
- Indonesia has issued a nationwide alert and increased vigilance against the virus, despite no detected cases in Jakarta.
KOLKATA (Azat TV) – Confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal state have prompted several Southeast Asian countries to implement health screenings at international airports and ramp up public health vigilance, even as the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains there is a “low risk” of serious international spread. Two healthcare workers in Kolkata were confirmed to have contracted the zoonotic virus on January 13, 2026, triggering a swift regional response focused on prevention and early detection.
The outbreak in India, though limited in reported cases, has rekindled concerns about the highly fatal virus, which has a case fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent. Countries including Thailand, Pakistan, Nepal, and Taiwan have intensified health surveillance and travel screenings, reminiscent of measures seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, for flights arriving from the affected region. This proactive approach underscores a broader regional commitment to containing potential infectious disease threats, despite the WHO advising against imposing further travel restrictions.
Nipah Virus Outbreak Prompts Regional Screenings
The recent cluster of Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal has become a focal point for regional public health authorities. On January 13, 2026, two healthcare workers were identified with the infection in Kolkata, a development that quickly led to a broader response. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch noted in a January 27 post on X that five reported cases in West Bengal had already prompted several Southeast Asian nations to implement airport screening measures. These screenings, described as “Covid-style” by The Independent, are now active at international airports receiving flights from the affected Indian region, aiming to detect potential cases among travelers.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India confirmed on January 27 that all 196 contacts of the two initial confirmed cases in West Bengal had tested negative, a reassuring sign for immediate containment efforts. However, the vigilance remains high given the virus’s history of outbreaks in the region. India has experienced nine Nipah virus outbreaks since 2001, with yearly occurrences in Kerala since 2019, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Bangladesh has also reported nearly annual outbreaks since 2001, underscoring the endemic nature of the virus in parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Understanding the Nipah Virus: Transmission and Symptoms
Nipah virus is an emerging zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from animals to humans. Its natural reservoir is fruit bats (Pteropus sp.), which can spread the virus directly to humans or through contaminated food. Pigs have also been implicated in past outbreaks, notably when the virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly through close contact with infected individuals, as highlighted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Health Director General of Disease Control, Murti Utami.
The incubation period for Nipah virus can range from four to 21 days, and some infected individuals may remain asymptomatic. For those who develop symptoms, initial signs often include fever, headache, and confusion. Other frequent symptoms cited by the WHO include difficulty breathing, cough, chills, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, with patients potentially falling into a coma within 24 to 48 hours. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral medication available to prevent or treat Nipah virus disease, making early intensive supportive care critical for improving survival rates.
Travel Advisories and Public Health Vigilance
Despite the heightened regional response, the World Health Organization has advised against countries imposing further travel restrictions, stating that the risk of international spread is low. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not updated its specific travel advice for India since the recent outbreak. However, public health bodies like UKHSA emphasize that while the risk for most tourists visiting endemic countries is ‘very low,’ awareness and adherence to precautions are crucial. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist, reassured CP24 that the risk to Canadian travelers is ‘negligible’ even when traveling to affected areas, provided standard precautions are followed.
Key protective measures for travelers include practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with sick animals, especially bats and pigs. Travelers are advised to thoroughly wash or peel fruits before consumption and to avoid raw or partially fermented date palm sap, which can be contaminated by bat droppings. If consuming date palm juice, it should be boiled first. These precautions aim to minimize exposure to the virus, particularly in rural areas of South and Southeast Asia where outbreaks are more common.
Indonesia’s Proactive Nipah Preparedness
In response to the regional developments, the Indonesian government has taken proactive steps to prevent the entry and spread of the Nipah virus. On January 30, 2026, the Ministry of Health issued Circular Number HK.02.02/C/445/2026, urging hospitals and health departments nationwide to remain vigilant. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung confirmed on February 3, 2026, that no Nipah virus cases had been detected in the capital, but assured the public that the government would ramp up vigilance and early preparations to anticipate any potential spread.
The circular from the Ministry of Health’s Director General of Disease Control, Murti Utami, instructed health facility providers to implement a range of precautionary measures. This proactive stance by Indonesian authorities reflects a commitment to rapid response and public health protection, leveraging lessons from past global health crises to safeguard its population against emerging infectious diseases like Nipah. The government’s emphasis on early preparation and swift response is intended to prevent the virus from establishing a foothold in the densely populated nation.
The coordinated regional response to the Nipah virus, despite its localized outbreak in India and the WHO’s low-risk assessment, highlights a significant shift in global public health strategy towards preemptive action and heightened surveillance in an interconnected world. This approach prioritizes early detection and containment at borders to mitigate the potential for broader health crises, signaling a new era of vigilance against emerging zoonotic threats.