Health authorities have raised the alarm after two suspected cases of Nipah virus were reported in West Bengal, prompting the central government to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to strengthen containment measures. Nipah, a rare but highly fatal viral infection has caused sporadic outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia over the past two decades with case fatality rates reaching up to 75 percent.
Unlike common seasonal illnesses, Nipah is unpredictable and can spread from animals to humans or between people through close contact, making even a few suspected cases a serious public health concern. Experts emphasised that early detection, rapid isolation, strict infection control and public awareness are essential to prevent the virus from escalating into a larger outbreak.
What makes Nipah virus a serious public health threat
Explaining the nature of the infection, Dr. Manohar K N, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine and Diabetology at SPARSH Hospital (Bangalore) said Nipah virus primarily affects the brain and respiratory system. Transmission, he noted, can occur through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated food, or close contact with infected individuals via respiratory droplets.
Dr. Manohar added that fruit bats are the natural reservoir of the virus. “Human infections have been linked to the consumption of fruits or raw date palm sap contaminated by bat urine. In some outbreaks, pigs have acted as intermediate hosts, spreading the virus to humans through close contact,” he said.
While asymptomatic transmission is considered uncommon, Dr. Manohar cautioned that individuals in the early stages of infection may still transmit the virus before symptoms become evident. “This makes monitoring, early isolation and strict infection control extremely important during outbreaks,” he said.
Dr. Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant and Head of Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare echoed these concerns, describing Nipah as a zoonotic disease capable of spreading from animals to humans and between people. “Past outbreaks have shown that human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in healthcare and household settings,” he said.
Dr. Pandit further said that the illness can present in multiple forms. “Symptoms range from fever and respiratory illness to severe neurological complications. In advanced cases, patients may develop encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain. The World Health Organisation has designated Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its epidemic potential,” he said.
Doctors said that while Nipah does not spread as rapidly as airborne infections like Covid-19 or influenza, it poses significant risks in settings involving close and prolonged contact.
Dr. Sushrut Ganpule, Consultant Pulmonologist at Jupiter Hospital (Pune) said healthcare workers and caregivers face elevated risks in the absence of strict infection control measures. “Previous Nipah outbreaks have recorded fatality rates as high as 75 percent, making it deadlier than most viral infections. Preventing secondary transmission depends heavily on early detection, isolation and adherence to infection control protocols,” he said.
He added that even survivors may face long-term complications. “The illness is life-threatening, and those who recover can experience neurological problems such as seizures and personality changes,” Dr. Ganpule said.
Experts stressed that rapid diagnosis remains central to outbreak control. Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, Founder and Designated Partner at City imaging & clinical labs, said early laboratory confirmation can significantly alter outcomes.
“With Nipah, time is everything. Initial symptoms can resemble a routine viral fever, but neurological signs or breathing difficulty are red flags. Early lab confirmation helps doctors isolate patients quickly and protect contacts,” Dr. Kapoor said.
He explained that testing requires special precautions. “Samples must be handled with extreme caution. RT-PCR testing and close coordination with reference laboratories are crucial to confirm cases without delay. Imaging and laboratory diagnostics together help assess the extent of organ involvement, particularly in the lungs and brain,” he said.
No vaccine, prevention remains the best defence
Doctors warned that Nipah virus can affect multiple organs in severe cases. Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Urologist and Managing Director and Founder of VNA Hospital, said kidney involvement has also been observed. “In advanced cases, kidney damage can worsen prognosis, which is why patients require intensive monitoring and comprehensive supportive care,” he said.
At present, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Dr. Pranjit Bhowmik, Chairman – Internal Medicine (Unit I) at Asian Hospital, said treatment remains largely supportive. “Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. The Centre’s close monitoring reflects the virus’s history of sudden outbreaks and high mortality,” he said.
Dr. Bhowmik emphasised that vigilance remains critical. “Early diagnosis, strict isolation, public awareness and infection control are the strongest tools to prevent a limited outbreak from escalating into a larger health crisis,” he said.
On preventive measures, Dr. Manohar advised avoiding direct contact with bats, sick animals and infected individuals. He also recommended careful washing of fruits, avoiding raw or unprocessed foods such as raw date palm sap in affected areas, and seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms like fever, headache, confusion or breathing difficulty.
Dr. Manohar added that masks can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets, particularly in healthcare settings or during close contact, when combined with hand hygiene, distancing and isolation protocols.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its potential to cause epidemics. Fruit bats are its natural reservoir while contaminated food and human-to-human transmission have been linked to past outbreaks. The virus primarily affects the brain and respiratory system with severe cases leading to encephalitis, multi-organ involvement and long-term neurological complications among survivors.
As health authorities ramp up surveillance and containment efforts in West Bengal, experts stressed that public cooperation, early reporting of symptoms and adherence to preventive measures will be crucial in curbing the risk of further transmission.
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