West Bengal, India, January 13, 2026: A suspected Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal has raised serious concerns among health authorities after two nurses from a private hospital in Barasat were reported to be in critical condition on Sunday, January 11, 2026. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has also been deployed to implement major preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus.
The patients, a male and a female nurse working at the same private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, were admitted after showing severe symptoms. One nurse is a resident of Nadia district, while the other is from Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district. Preliminary test results have indicated a possible Nipah virus infection, and their samples were sent to the AIIMS Kalyani Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory for confirmation.
The state health department confirmed that both patients remain "very critical" while being closely monitored by doctors. Preliminary investigations suggest the individuals contracted the virus during a visit to Purba Bardhaman for work-related purposes.
The Nipah virus, classified by the World Health Organization as a zoonotic disease, can spread from animals to humans, as well as through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact.
Nipah virus is a high-risk pathogen due to its fatality rate, which can reach up to 75% in some outbreaks. “The case fatality rate is estimated at 40–75% but can vary by outbreak depending on surveillance and clinical management in affected areas,” according to the WHO.
The Centre has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to assist the state in effective containment. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasized that the Central government firmly stands with the state government and is providing comprehensive technical, logistical, and operational support for the effective management and prevention of the outbreak.
Upon receiving information, the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare immediately held discussions with the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Health, West Bengal, to review the situation. Minister Nadda also spoke with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing the importance of Centre-State coordination.
The West Bengal government has implemented comprehensive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. State Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty convened an emergency meeting at Nabanna with the state's Health Secretary and other senior officials to review the situation.
A specialized medical team is monitoring the condition of both patients, who are currently undergoing treatment. Surveillance has been intensified across Purba Bardhaman, North 24 Parganas, and Nadia districts, while authorities are actively tracing high-risk contacts.
To assist citizens of West Bengal, the state government has launched two helpline numbers: 033 2333-0180 and 9874708858.
(Rh/VK/MSM)
