SAEDNEWS: India Confirms Two Cases of Deadly Nipah Virus in West Bengal
According to the Science and Technology Desk of Saed News, citing Fararu, a rare and highly dangerous virus with a high mortality rate has been identified, and there is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for it. This news has raised concerns about its potential spread, particularly because West Bengal shares borders with countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, where outbreaks have previously occurred.
Both patients are healthcare workers (nurses) at a private hospital near Kolkata and began showing symptoms in late December 2025. They are now hospitalized in the intensive care unit. India’s Ministry of Health has reported that 196 close contacts of the patients have been identified and tested, all of whom tested negative and show no symptoms. Authorities emphasize that there is currently no need for widespread public concern, and the situation is under control. Monitoring of contacts continues.
Primary route: Direct contact with infected fruit bats or consumption of fruit and juice contaminated with bat saliva or urine
Through domestic animals: Livestock, such as pigs in past outbreaks, can transmit the virus to humans
Human-to-human transmission: Possible but usually occurs only through close and prolonged contact, such as medical care
The incubation period is usually 4 to 14 days. Early symptoms include:
Fever
Severe headache
Muscle pain
Vomiting
Sore throat
In severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly, causing brain inflammation (encephalitis), respiratory problems, coma, and death. Some survivors experience long-term neurological complications and chronic fatigue.
The mortality rate of Nipah virus is reported between 40% and 75%. Due to the lack of specific treatment or vaccine and the potential for human-to-human transmission, it is listed as a priority disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) and carries a constant risk of becoming an epidemic or pandemic.
Diagnosis is done through blood tests, detecting viral genetic material or proteins. Current treatment is supportive, including respiratory support, management of intracranial pressure, and intensive care. Some studies have shown limited effects of ribavirin, but evidence is inconclusive. Prevention and breaking the chain of transmission remain the main focus.
The virus is primarily found in fruit bats of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Since 1998, approximately 750–800 cases have been recorded worldwide, mostly in Bangladesh and India. In India, outbreaks have mainly occurred in Kerala (south) and occasionally in West Bengal. Recent cases have been reported in Kerala (2025) and now West Bengal.
The WHO assesses the risk of international spread of these cases as low. Neighboring countries, including Thailand, Nepal, and Singapore, have increased airport screening measures. Recommended precautions:
Avoid consuming bitten or potentially contaminated fruits
Avoid close contact with bats and sick animals
Seek medical attention if traveling to high-risk areas and experiencing fever, severe headache, or respiratory symptoms
