WHO flags rare but serious Nipah virus after cases in West Bengal

The World Well being Organisation (WHO) Director Common Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned concerning the instances of latest Nipah virus. WHO cited that the virus is uncommon and critical on the identical time.  

The worldwide well being physique head additionally stated that instances linked to the Nipah virus outbreak have been restricted to India and weren’t reported by another nation.  

“The 2 instances of Nipah virus an infection reported by India in West Bengal are the third on this state for the reason that virus was first recognized in 1998,” Ghebreyesus wrote in a submit on X.  

He additionally stated that authorities in India have been following over 190 contacts, and none have developed the illness to this point.

“Authorities have elevated illness surveillance and testing, applied prevention and management measures in well being care settings, and are protecting the general public knowledgeable about how one can shield themselves,” he additional wrote.

Nipah is a uncommon however critical illness.

The 2 case of Nipah virus an infection reported by India in West Bengal are the third on this state for the reason that virus was first recognized in 1998.

No instances have been reported in another nation linked to this outbreak.

Indian authorities… pic.twitter.com/u0VYEerWnv

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 31, 2026

The WHO chief’s warning got here after the physique stated that the virus has a low threat of spreading and after the unfold there isn’t a requirement of commerce restrictions.  

Two instances of Nipah virus have been earlier confirmed in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, each of them nurses. Nonetheless, well being officers later stated that their situation improved and so they examined detrimental for the contagion. Whereas the male nurse was discharged, the feminine nurse was taken off ventilator assist however nonetheless stored beneath statement.

“Each instances developed signs typical of extreme NiV an infection in late December 2025 and have been admitted to hospital in early January 2026. As of 21 January 2026, the second case confirmed medical enchancment, whereas the primary case remained beneath crucial care,” the WHO stated in a launch.

If an individual will get contaminated by this virus, they’re prone to expertise swelling of the mind and the possibilities of demise are between 40 to 75 per cent.