The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a cautionary note after the detection of two Nipah virus cases in India, while stressing that the infections are currently confined to the country and pose a low risk of wider spread.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Nipah virus infections are serious but clarified that no cases have been reported from any other country so far.
In a post on social media platform X, he referred to the two cases detected in West Bengal, noting that this marks the third instance of the virus being reported in the state since it was first identified there in 1998.
Dr Ghebreyesus said Indian health authorities have mounted a swift response to contain the situation.
More than 190 people who came into contact with the infected individuals are under close monitoring, and none have shown symptoms of infection to date.
He added that surveillance and testing have been stepped up, preventive and control measures reinforced at health facilities, and public awareness campaigns launched to educate people on protective measures.
A day earlier, the WHO said the likelihood of further spread remains low and there is no justification for travel or trade restrictions at this stage.
The global health body also noted that there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission of the virus.
The two recent cases were reported from North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal and involved nursing staff.
Officials said both patients showed improvement, with test results later returning negative.
ALSO READ: Harmanpreet, Smriti, Divya shortlisted for 2025 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year
The male nurse has been discharged, while the female nurse has been taken off ventilator support and remains under medical observation.
Both had developed symptoms in late December 2025 and were admitted to hospital in early January 2026.
Nipah virus is considered one of the most dangerous infections affecting humans, with a fatality rate estimated between 40 and 75 per cent.
The virus weakens the immune response, hampering the body’s ability to fight infection.
It is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected bats or by consuming food contaminated by them.
