Nipah virus disease cases reported in West Bengal, India: very low risk for Europeans
Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease have been reported in West Bengal, India. Based on current information, the risk of infection for people from Europe travelling to or residing in the area is assessed as very low.
According to information reported on 26 January 2026 by Indian authorities, both cases are healthcare workers at the same hospital and had contact with each other while undertaking duties in late December 2025. The limited number of cases and their apparent link to a single healthcare setting suggest there is no community transmission at this stage.
The most likely route for Nipah virus to be introduced into Europe would be through infected travellers. While virus importation cannot be ruled out, it is considered unlikely. As the fruit bats carrying Nipah virus are not present in Europe, the risk of onward transmission following a potential importation is also assessed as very low in the current context.
Ongoing investigations and response measures
Indian authorities have implemented prevention and control measures, and investigations are ongoing to identify the possible source of infection. A total of 196 contacts of the confirmed cases were identified and tested. All traced contacts remain asymptomatic and have tested negative for Nipah virus infection. Several countries in the region, including Thailand, Nepal and Cambodia, have initiated precautionary measures. These include public information campaigns and the screening of passengers arriving from India at airports.
Advice for travellers
As a general precaution, people living in the EU/EEA who are travelling to, or residing in, West Bengal are advised to avoid potential sources of infection. This includes avoiding contact with domestic or wild animals and their fluids or waste, not consuming food that may be contaminated by bats, and not drinking raw date palm sap (juice). Washing, peeling and cooking fruit and vegetables before consumption is generally recommended to reduce the risk of exposure.
About Nipah virus disease
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. The virus is carried by fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, of the genus Pteropus. These bats are found in parts of South and South East Asia, the Indian Ocean region, and Oceania. The virus can infect humans directly from animals, from contaminated food, and through human-to-human contact. Although outbreaks have only been reported in Asia to date, the virus has epidemic and pandemic potential because it can spread between people and through domesticated animals.
Nipah virus disease is a severe illness, with reported case fatality rates typically ranging between 40% and 75%, depending on factors such as the virus strain and access to high-quality healthcare. The virus can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis). Among those who survive encephalitis, around one in five experience long-term neurological complications, including recurrent seizures, extreme fatigue or behavioural changes. In rare cases, relapse or delayed onset of encephalitis can occur weeks, months or even years after recovery and may be fatal. Neither a vaccine for prevention nor a specific antiviral treatment is available for Nipah virus infection in humans.
