West Bengal reports Nipah virus cases in two nurses near Kolkata; surveillance and quarantine stepped up
Indian health authorities have confirmed Nipah virus infections in two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, triggering heightened surveillance, contact tracing and quarantine protocols. Officials are investigating a suspected index case linked to a patient who died after severe respiratory symptoms. With Nipah known for high fatality and no approved cure or vaccine, public health teams have moved quickly to test contacts and monitor potential spillover sources.
Two confirmed infections, one critical
Health authorities in India have confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection in West Bengal, involving two nurses working at a private hospital near Kolkata. One of the nurses has been reported to be in critical condition and in a coma, underscoring the seriousness with which officials are treating the incident.
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The nurses reportedly developed fever and respiratory distress after working during the same period, and were later admitted to intensive care as their conditions worsened. Their infections have triggered a rapid public health response focused on isolating risk, preventing onward transmission and identifying the source of exposure.
Suspected index case and rapid response measures
According to reporting that cites Indian outlets, officials believe the most likely source of infection may be a patient who had been admitted to the same hospital with severe respiratory symptoms and later died before being tested for Nipah. That patient is being treated as a suspected index case while investigations continue.
Authorities have moved quickly on contact tracing, testing and quarantine. As per the report, 180 people had been tested as of January 20, 2026, and 20 high-risk contacts were quarantined. Tests were reported negative so far, and quarantined individuals are expected to be re-tested at the end of their isolation period to reduce the risk of missed early infections.
Why Nipah is treated as a high-risk event
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans and, in some circumstances, from person to person. Public health agencies typically respond aggressively because outbreaks can escalate quickly in healthcare settings if infection control is breached.
The World Health Organization notes that Nipah can cause illness ranging from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis. There is currently no specific cure or vaccine widely available for routine prevention, making early detection and strict infection-control practices critical.
Surveillance for spillover sources
Because fruit bats are considered natural hosts of Nipah, officials have also been reported to expand surveillance beyond the hospital environment. The report notes that bats at Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo were being tested as part of efforts to rule out potential spillover routes and better understand local risk.
For the public, health guidance in such situations typically includes avoiding exposure to bats and bat secretions, ensuring fruits are washed thoroughly, and following standard precautions when caring for sick individuals. Authorities have indicated that containment steps are being prioritised while investigations remain ongoing.