WHO Confirms Nipah Virus in India: 7 Fast Facts You Should Know

The World Health Organisation has confirmed new cases of the Nipah virus in India, triggering heightened surveillance and health alerts in several countries. 

Globally, only about 754 cases had been reported by 2024, though experts warn under reporting is likely. With new cases confirmed in India, health authorities worldwide are staying on high alert to prevent a wider outbreak.

Although, no Nipah cases have been reported in Nigeria. However, fruit bats linked to the virus have been identified in parts of Africa, including Ghana, which shows the need for vigilance, surveillance and public awareness across the region.

What you should know

Where the new cases were found
WHO confirmed two Nipah infections in West Bengal, involving healthcare workers. Authorities traced at least 196 contacts and activated strict infection-control measures to limit further spread.

Why the world is paying attention
Nipah sits on WHO’s list of top priority pathogens because it can cause deadly outbreaks. Even small clusters prompt global monitoring due to the virus’s history and epidemic potential.

How deadly Nipah is
Nipah is rare but severe. Past outbreaks show a fatality rate of 40–75 percent, making it one of the most lethal viral infections known, even though it spreads less easily than many respiratory viruses.

How the virus spreads
Nipah is zoonotic. According to WHO and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, transmission often occurs through contact with infected fruit bats or pigs, or by eating fruit or raw date-palm sap contaminated by bat saliva or urine. Person-to-person spread can happen through close contact, especially in hospitals or homes.

Symptoms to watch for
After an incubation period of about 4–14 days (sometimes longer), early signs resemble flu: fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and vomiting. Many patients rapidly develop brain inflammation, confusion, seizures, breathing problems and coma. Survivors may face long-term neurological damage.

No vaccine, no cure
There is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah. Care is supportive, including oxygen and intensive monitoring. An older antiviral, ribavirin, has shown mixed results and is not a proven solution. Prevention, early detection and strict hygiene remain the main defences.

Why other countries are on alert

Following the confirmation in India, countries including Thailand and Nepal began screening travellers from affected areas. The United Kingdom’s UK Health Security Agency says there is no evidence of spread outside India, but monitoring is ongoing. 

Speaking to CNN, Jersey’s Director of Public Health, Peter Bradley, said the risk to travellers remains low, but urged anyone who feels unwell after travel to seek care and disclose their travel history.