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Officials reported two confirmed Nipah virus cases in Kolkata, West Bengal, involving healthcare workers. Authorities deployed joint response teams, expanded testing of contacts and enforced quarantine measures, as investigations continue into the source of infection.
Indian authorities have confirmed Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, with health agencies tracing contacts, expanding testing and enforcing quarantine protocols while urging precautions, given the disease’s high risk and lack of a proven cure or vaccine.
Delhi saw a sharp, weather-driven drop in pollution levels with AQI touching 192—its lowest in 102 days—after rain and gusty winds. Forecasts, however, suggest a return to ‘poor’ and even ‘very poor’ categories around Republic Day amid colder conditions and another western disturbance.
Indian health authorities have confirmed Nipah virus infections among two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, prompting quarantine, testing and surveillance measures. Officials are tracing contacts linked to a suspected index patient and conducting wider checks as Nipah—known for high fatality—has no specific cure or vaccine.
Two suspected Nipah virus cases have been detected in West Bengal, prompting the Centre to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to support containment and public health measures. The suspected cases were identified at an ICMR VRDL in AIIMS Kalyani, with central agencies sharing guidelines and supporting state surveillance, contact tracing and testing.
The India Meteorological Department has issued alerts for a fresh western disturbance expected to affect parts of north, northwest and central India from 26 January 2026, with heavy snowfall at isolated places, hailstorms, thunderstorms, gusty winds and fog-related disruptions.
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Health authorities in West Bengal have confirmed Nipah virus infections in two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, triggering contact tracing, quarantine measures and expanded testing. Officials are probing the suspected index patient and monitoring high-risk contacts as the state intensifies surveillance for the high-fatality zoonotic virus.
WHO-supported teams in Meghalaya visited vaccination booths during National Immunisation Day activities to monitor protocol compliance and strengthen service quality. The monitoring focused on standard practices such as correct markings, vaccine handling and cold-chain maintenance, and improved community engagement.
West Bengal’s health system is on alert after reported Nipah cases among healthcare workers, with critical patients under treatment and contact tracing, quarantine and testing measures underway. Authorities are treating the situation as high-risk given Nipah’s history of severe disease.
Karnataka has expanded its Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme to include IVIG therapy for Guillain‑Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that can cause severe weakness and paralysis. The move aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs, though doctors note caps may not suit every patient’s dose needs.
Delhi’s air quality improved sharply after rain and gusty winds, with the city recording its cleanest air in about three months. However, forecasting systems warn the AQI could deteriorate again soon as winds slow and fog returns—keeping health concerns for vulnerable groups in focus.
Delhi’s AQI fell to a 102-day low after rain and gusty winds, but forecasts warned it could slip back to poor and very poor categories around January 26–27, alongside colder nights and possible rain from a western disturbance.