Nipah virus: New cases reported in India and Bangladesh

Health authorities report Nipah virus cases beginning in West Bengal in late January 2026, and a confirmed fatality was reported in northern Bangladesh on February 7.

India has moved quickly to contain a Nipah virus outbreak that began in late January 2026. Cases were detected in the eastern state of West Bengal and authorities placed a group of contacts under quarantine while adding health screening at some airports. Health officials report extensive contact tracing is underway and say the spread appears contained within India so far. Separately, a woman in northern Bangladesh was confirmed to have died after developing symptoms in late January. Known details: - The outbreak in India was detected in West Bengal and prompted quarantine measures for around 200 people and health checks at certain airports. - Officials at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences reported that extensive contact tracing is ongoing and that spread appears contained to date within India. - The World Health Organization has stated that the risk of international spread is currently considered low and no travel or trade restrictions have been recommended. - On February 7, health authorities in northern Bangladesh confirmed a death from Nipah virus in a woman who had developed symptoms in late January. Summary: Containment measures and contact tracing are reported to be underway in India, and the WHO currently assesses the risk of international spread as low. Undetermined at this time.