West Bengal : Health Officials Flag Endemic Nipah Risk as Investigation Expands
West Bengal: India’s public health authorities are closely monitoring the Nipah virus situation after senior officials reiterated that parts of the country continue to face an endemic risk. Speaking about recent developments, Dr Narendra Kumar Arora, President of AIIMS Bilaspur and Chair of India’s Covid-19 Working Group at the National Technical Advisory Group, said both Kerala and West Bengal remain vulnerable to sporadic outbreaks of the virus.
In an interview with ANI, Dr Arora outlined the known facts of the current situation while urging caution, early detection, and preventive measures in areas where the virus has been detected in the past.
States with a history of Nipah exposure
According to Dr Arora, Nipah virus has appeared intermittently in both Kerala and West Bengal over the years, establishing these regions as endemic zones. He also noted that the virus is not confined to India alone, as neighboring Bangladesh has reported repeated cases, highlighting the regional nature of the public health challenge.
Health experts have long warned that the virus can resurface without warning, often linked to environmental and animal factors. As a result, authorities continue to treat each new detection as a serious event requiring swift containment.
Details of the West Bengal cases
Dr Arora said the current episode in West Bengal first came to light after a patient died from an undiagnosed illness. Following this, five healthcare workers who were involved in the patient’s care tested positive for Nipah virus, prompting immediate concern among health officials.
He added that surveillance efforts are now focused on identifying and assessing others who may have been exposed. At present, between 100 and 200 individuals are under investigation as part of contact tracing and monitoring efforts aimed at preventing further spread.
Nature and severity of the virus
Explaining the risks associated with Nipah virus, Dr Arora described it as a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. The virus is known for its high fatality rate, which can range from 40 percent to as high as 75 percent, depending on the outbreak and the speed of medical intervention.
Clinically, infected individuals may develop severe inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis, or experience serious respiratory complications. Both forms of illness can progress rapidly, making early diagnosis and isolation critical for patient survival and public safety.
Absence of a preventive vaccine
Dr Arora confirmed that there is currently no approved vaccine available to prevent Nipah virus infection. This absence places greater emphasis on surveillance, infection control practices, and early medical response when cases are suspected or confirmed.
He stressed that, without a vaccine, health systems must rely on rapid identification of symptoms, laboratory testing, and immediate isolation of affected individuals to limit transmission.
Limited treatment options and global supply concerns
While no vaccine exists, Dr Arora noted that monoclonal antibodies can be administered once a patient is diagnosed with Nipah virus. These treatments are most effective when given at an early stage of infection.
However, he cautioned that the global supply of these monoclonal antibodies remains extremely limited. India, he said, has taken the issue seriously and is working to secure adequate quantities within the country to respond quickly should new cases emerge.
Emphasis on prevention and reduced exposure
Beyond medical treatment, Dr Arora underscored the importance of prevention. He advised that in regions where fruit bats, the natural carriers of the virus, are present, contact between humans, animals, and bat habitats should be minimized as much as possible.
Such preventive steps, combined with public awareness and prompt health reporting, are seen as essential to reducing the risk of future outbreaks and protecting both healthcare workers and the wider community.