Nepal on High Alert After Nipah Virus Cases Detected in India

Following the detection of Nipah virus infections in neighboring India, Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population has adopted high alert measures to prevent the possible spread of the virus in the country.

After Nipah virus cases were confirmed a few weeks ago in West Bengal, India, the ministry has begun monitoring travelers entering Nepal through all air and land border points. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki said that passengers showing symptoms of infection are being monitored through health desks established at airports and border crossings.

Dr. Budhathoki stated that although the risk of Nipah virus in Nepal remains high, designated hospitals have been prepared in case suspected individuals enter the country and require treatment. He explained that the Nipah virus can be transmitted through bats, pigs, or infected individuals, and preventive measures are being implemented with special focus on these transmission routes.

He said, “After Nipah virus infections were detected in West Bengal, India, a few weeks ago, we have started monitoring all individuals entering Nepal through air and land routes. Health desks at border points are closely observing travelers showing symptoms of infection. If such individuals enter Nepal, we have designated hospitals for their treatment. The virus is transmitted through bats, pigs, or infected persons. Therefore, keeping these three factors in mind, we are raising public awareness, advising people arriving from affected areas to stay in quarantine for some time and to avoid close contact with others.”

The ministry has also appealed to the public to ensure that individuals arriving from Nipah-affected areas remain in quarantine for a certain period and avoid direct contact with others.

Nipah Virus: Current Situation and Alert

Nipah virus is a deadly zoonotic virus with a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent. It primarily spreads to humans from fruit-eating bats (fruit bats). The virus has once again drawn attention after cases were confirmed in West Bengal, India, in early January 2026.

Current Outbreak in India

In January 2026, Nipah virus infection was confirmed in two nurses in the Barasat area of West Bengal. Both were working at Narayan Multispecialty Hospital and are in critical condition, one in a coma and the other on a ventilator. This marks the re-emergence of Nipah in West Bengal after 19 years (previous cases were reported in 2001 and 2007).

Some reports have mentioned up to five cases. Around 120 high-risk contacts have been quarantined and kept under surveillance. Indian health authorities have deployed a national joint outbreak response team, and investigations are ongoing to trace the source of infection. The virus may have spread through raw date palm sap or contact with infected individuals. While active virus was not detected in bat surveys, antibodies were found in one bat, indicating past infection.

India has previously seen repeated Nipah outbreaks in Kerala, but the appearance of cases in West Bengal has raised new concerns. No lockdown has been announced so far, but surveillance and testing have been intensified.

Risk and Alert in Nepal

So far, no Nipah virus cases have been confirmed in Nepal. However, the open border with West Bengal and the presence of fruit bats increase the potential risk. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has instructed hospitals nationwide to report patients with Nipah-like symptoms or cases of sudden unexplained deaths.

Health desks at eastern border points and Tribhuvan International Airport have been put on alert. The Ministry of Health has held high-level meetings and decided to strengthen precautionary measures. Experts warn that since the virus can be transmitted through bats, cross-border spread is possible, making prevention crucial.

Symptoms and Prevention of Nipah Virus

Symptoms:
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can lead to brain inflammation (encephalitis), coma, and death.

Modes of Transmission:
The virus can spread by consuming fruits bitten by bats or contaminated raw date palm sap, and through saliva, respiratory secretions, or close physical contact with infected individuals (human-to-human transmission).

Preventive Measures:

• Avoid drinking raw date palm sap.

• Do not consume fruits bitten by bats.

• Seek immediate medical check-up if you have been in contact with a suspected infected person.

• Follow basic precautions such as handwashing and wearing masks.

Currently, there is no specific medicine or vaccine for Nipah virus, but supportive treatment can save lives. The World Health Organization has listed Nipah as a priority disease, and vaccine development is ongoing. Although the risk in Nepal is currently low, continued vigilance is essential. Anyone showing symptoms should immediately contact the nearest hospital.