Nipah Virus Resurfaces in West Bengal: 3 New Cases in a Week, Kolkata on High Alert

• Nipah virus outbreak confirmed in Barasat, near Kolkata, West Bengal, with 3 new cases reported in a week, bringing the total to 5.
• All confirmed cases are linked to healthcare workers at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, which has been declared a high-risk zone.
• The virus, primarily spread by bats, has a high mortality rate (50-70%) and currently has no vaccine or specific treatment.
• The outbreak began in late December 2025, with a patient infecting a nurse, who then infected other staff members, including a doctor.
• Health officials have quarantined over 100 high-risk contacts and tested more than 180 people to contain the spread in the densely populated area.

Why It Matters: Nipah virus has re-emerged in West Bengal, posing a significant threat due to its high mortality and lack of treatment.