For this article:

15 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Social IssuesSocial IssuesEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal: Over 100 Quarantined

Nipah virus spreads in Bengal; proactive measures are crucial for containment.

Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal: Over 100 Quarantined

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Three additional cases of the Nipah virus have been reported in West Bengal, leading to the quarantine of over 100 individuals. The outbreak highlights the need for heightened surveillance and rapid response measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Health officials are working to identify and isolate potential contacts to prevent further transmission. Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease, can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans, with a high mortality rate.

Key Facts

1.

New cases: 3 Nipah infections in Bengal

2.

Quarantined: Over 100 people

3.

Nipah: Zoonotic virus with high mortality

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Health, Government Policies and Interventions

2.

Link to zoonotic diseases and public health preparedness

3.

Potential for questions on disease surveillance and management

Visual Insights

Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal (January 2026)

Map showing the location of the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal and surrounding areas. The highlighted region indicates the affected area, and markers indicate potential zones of concern.

Loading interactive map...

📍West Bengal📍Bihar📍Odisha
More Information

Background

The Nipah virus was first identified during an outbreak of encephalitis and respiratory illness among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999. The name 'Nipah' originates from the village in Malaysia where the index case was identified. During these initial outbreaks, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs.

However, subsequent outbreaks have primarily been linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by fruit bats (Pteropus species), the natural reservoir of the virus. The virus's ability to jump species and cause severe disease in humans has made it a significant public health concern, leading to increased research and surveillance efforts globally.

Latest Developments

In recent years, research has focused on developing vaccines and antiviral treatments for Nipah virus. While no approved vaccine is currently available for human use, several candidates are in preclinical and clinical trials. Monoclonal antibody therapies have shown promise in treating Nipah virus infections, but their availability remains limited.

Globally, surveillance efforts have intensified, particularly in regions with known fruit bat populations. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is funding research to accelerate the development of Nipah virus vaccines. Future outbreaks are expected, emphasizing the need for continued research, improved diagnostics, and robust public health infrastructure to effectively manage and contain the virus.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Nipah Virus: 1. Nipah virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. 2. Fruit bats (Pteropus species) are considered the natural reservoir of the Nipah virus. 3. There is a widely available and approved vaccine for Nipah virus for human use. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 2 is correct. Nipah virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals or their fluids, especially fruit bats. Statement 1 is incorrect as mosquitoes are not the primary vector. Statement 3 is incorrect as there is no widely available and approved vaccine for human use.

2. In the context of Nipah virus outbreaks, consider the following pairs: List I (Region) 1. Malaysia 2. Bangladesh 3. West Bengal List II (Primary Transmission Route) A. Consumption of contaminated date palm sap B. Direct contact with infected pigs C. Human-to-human transmission Which of the following is/are correctly matched?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All the pairs are correctly matched. In Malaysia, the primary transmission route was direct contact with infected pigs. In Bangladesh, it was consumption of contaminated date palm sap. In recent outbreaks, including in West Bengal, human-to-human transmission has also been observed.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)? A) CEPI is a global alliance financing and coordinating the development of vaccines against epidemic threats. B) CEPI was launched in Davos in 2017. C) CEPI primarily focuses on developing treatments for existing diseases rather than preventing new ones. D) CEPI aims to reduce the time it takes to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.

  • A.CEPI is a global alliance financing and coordinating the development of vaccines against epidemic threats.
  • B.CEPI was launched in Davos in 2017.
  • C.CEPI primarily focuses on developing treatments for existing diseases rather than preventing new ones.
  • D.CEPI aims to reduce the time it takes to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
Show Answer

Answer: C

CEPI's primary focus is on preventing new diseases by accelerating the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, not primarily on developing treatments for existing diseases.

Part of Story Threads

Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal - January 2026

Details the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal in January 2026, including suspected cases, quarantine measures, and bat surveys.

GKSolverToday's News