Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal
The Nipah virus is a serious illness that can spread from animals to humans and between people.
It was recently found in West Bengal, India, where five people, including healthcare workers, got sick.
The virus can cause fever, headaches, breathing problems, and brain swelling.
It's very dangerous, with a high chance of being fatal.
To stay safe, people should avoid contact with bats and sick animals, wash fruits well, and practice good hygiene.
There's no specific treatment yet, but doctors provide supportive care to help patients recover.
The government is taking steps to stop the virus from spreading further.
Five cases of Nipah virus reported in West Bengal, including healthcare workers.
One nurse's condition improved, while another remains critical.
Government increased disease surveillance and quarantined around 100 people.
Nipah virus spreads from animals like bats, contaminated food, and human-to-human contact.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, respiratory issues, and encephalitis, with a high mortality rate.
- Who
- People in West Bengal, India, including healthcare workers
- What
- Nipah virus outbreak
- When
- Within a week, with cases confirmed on Monday
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- Transmission from animals, contaminated food, and human-to-human contact
- Location
- West Bengal, India
- Cases Reported
- 5
- Incubation Period
- 5 to 14 days
- Mortality Rate
- 40% to 75%
- Natural Reservoir
- Bats
- Transmission
- Animal-to-human, human-to-human, contaminated food
- Symptoms
- Fever, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory issues, encephalitis
- Prevention
- Avoid contact with bats and sick animals, wash and peel fruits, good hygiene, use PPE
