India Confirms Two Nipah Virus Infections; Southeast Asia Steps Up Health Screening

Kenya, January 28, 2026 - Indian health authorities have confirmed two infections of the Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal, triggering enhanced health screening measures in neighbouring countries amid concerns about cross-border spread of the deadly pathogen.

The cases, which have been monitored since December 2025, come with global attention on Nipah’s high fatality rate and lack of a vaccine, prompting authorities in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia to tighten surveillance at airports and land borders.

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stressed that only two confirmed infections have been reported and warned against “speculative and incorrect figures” circulating in the media.

Authorities have tracked 196 potential contacts linked to both cases, with all contacts tested negative and remaining asymptomatic so far. Health officials say current public health efforts focus on tracing, testing and monitoring contacts to prevent further transmissions.

In response to the outbreak, Thailand has stepped up screening at major international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket, designating aircraft from affected regions and requiring incoming passengers to complete health declarations.

While no Nipah cases have been recorded in Thailand to date, Bangkok’s health ministry is also preparing hospitals and enhancing monitoring systems to detect and manage any suspected cases swiftly.

Similarly, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health is intensifying surveillance at entry points, strengthening laboratory capabilities and field monitoring to ensure early detection, even though the country has not seen a case since 1999.

The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen, one that can spread from animals to humans, primarily carried by fruit bats and sometimes transmitted through infected livestock or close human contact.