Almost 200 contacts linked to the Nipah virus cases were traced and found negative, India’s health ministry said on Tuesday (Jan 27).
MUMBAI: Indian authorities said they had ensured “timely containment” of the deadly Nipah virus after two cases were confirmed in West Bengal state since December.
Earlier reports had suggested that there were five cases.
CNA: January 21, 2026
Nipah, which spreads from animals to humans, has no vaccine and a fatality rate ranging from 40 to 75 per cent, according to the World Health Organization.
“Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were undertaken … which ensured timely containment of the cases,” India’s health ministry said in a statement late Tuesday.
It did not give further details on the two infected patients.
“The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” it added, saying 196 contacts linked to the cases had been traced, and all were negative.
