Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Nipah Virus Cases Detected in Bengal
Two nurses in Bengal have been confirmed to have the Nipah virus.
The virus is spread by fruit bats and can be very dangerous, with a high death rate.
The health department is monitoring around 90 people who had contact with the nurses.
One nurse is in a coma, and the other is very sick.
Doctors are using drugs like Remdesivir and Ribavirin to treat them.
The virus can spread from animals to humans and between humans, especially in healthcare settings.
Early diagnosis and isolation are crucial to prevent its spread.
There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Nipah virus, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Two nurses in Bengal have been confirmed to have the Nipah virus.
The virus is spread by fruit bats and can be deadly, with a fatality rate of 40% to 75%.
Around 90 people who had contact with the nurses are under observation.
One nurse is in a coma, and the other is in critical condition.
There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Nipah virus; treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom management.
- Who
- Two nurses in Bengal
- What
- Confirmed Nipah virus cases
- When
- January 2024
- Where
- Barasat, North 24-Parganas, Bengal
- Why
- Exposure to the Nipah virus, possibly from fruit bats
Public Health Authorities
General Public
Response to Nipah Virus Cases
Public Health Authorities
Public health authorities are taking proactive measures, including deploying a National Joint Outbreak Response Team, to contain the virus and prevent its spread.
General Public
The general public is advised not to panic but to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent infection.
- Number of Confirmed Cases
- 2
- Location
- Barasat, North 24-Parganas, Bengal
- Drugs Administered
- Remdesivir, Ribavirin
- Number of Contacts
- 90
- Quarantine Period
- 21 days
- Fatality Rate
- 40% to 75%
- Natural Host
- Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family
- Transmission
- Consumption of contaminated food, close physical contact with infected individuals, and human-to-human transmission in healthcare and household settings
- Symptoms
- Fever, respiratory symptoms, neurological complications, encephalitis, kidney involvement in severe cases
- Treatment
- Supportive care, symptom management, no approved antiviral medication or vaccine
Sources
Nurses with Nipah given remdesivir, Covid time drug administered to both - Telegraph India
Two Nipah cases confirmed in Bengal, state health department lens on 90 contacts - Telegraph India
Two Nipah-infected nurses remain on ventilator support
Nipah virus: Two nurses shifted to Kolkata hospital, condition critical
As Bengal logs Nipah cases, doctors advise people not to panic, exercise caution
Bengal Nipah update: Nearly 100 people in quarantine after mass contact tracing of 2 nurses
2 More Healthcare Workers With Nipah Symptoms Admitted To Bengal Hospital
'Deadly and unpredictable': Nipah virus isn’t just another fever, experts call for urgent vigilance – Firstpost
Nipah virus: 82 quarantined, 10 doctors sent on home isolation in Burdwan
