Nepal Steps Up Vigilance Amid Nipah Virus Outbreak in India

Nepali authorities said they have intensified preparedness and surveillance measures amid growing concerns over the Nipah virus outbreak in India.

In the West Bengal state, five healthcare workers were infected earlier this month, with one in critical condition, according to a BBC report on January 27. Around 110 people who came into contact with them have been quarantined.

Nepal remains at high risk due to its proximity to West Bengal and frequent cross-border movement.

Dr Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, said the virus has not been detected in Nepal, but the government is taking proactive measures.

“Nipah has not been confirmed in Nepal, but the risk is high,” said Budhathoki. “We have instructed health workers at airports and border checkpoints to remain vigilant.”

The ministry has set up monitoring at major entry points, including airports and 16 border checkpoints. Health desks staffed with medical personnel have been set up alongside immigration and customs offices to screen travellers arriving from India and other regions.

Teams are conducting temperature checks and closely observing anyone showing even mild symptoms such as cough or cold, Budhathoki added. Suspected cases will be referred immediately to hospitals for further assessment.

While testing for Nipah is not yet available at every laboratory, the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has been equipped to conduct diagnostic tests.

"We are preparing treatment protocols and ensuring hospitals are equipped to respond quickly if a case is detected," Budhathoki said.

The ministry has urged the public to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly as well as disinfect animal living areas using protective gear.

Guidance has also been issued on quarantine and isolation. Individuals who have travelled from affected areas and develop symptoms are required to quarantine for about 10 days, avoid crowded places, wear masks, and maintain hand hygiene.

Nipah virus (NiV) is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a high-risk pathogen. It is known for its high fatality rate and the absence of approved vaccines or specific treatment. While it does not spread as rapidly as COVID-19, it is far more deadly, health officials said.

The virus can spread from animals — such as bats and pigs — to humans. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, as is infection through contaminated food. Mortality ranges from 40% to 75%.

Symptoms in infected individuals initially include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, according to the World Health Organization. Severe cases can progress to dizziness, altered consciousness, neurological signs of acute encephalitis, atypical pneumonia, and respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures may occur, progressing to coma within 24–48 hours.

The incubation period typically ranges from 4 to 14 days, though cases with periods as long as 45 days have been reported. Survivors of acute encephalitis usually recover fully, but about 20 percent experience long-term neurological effects such as seizures or personality changes. Some may relapse or develop delayed-onset encephalitis, says the information on the WHO’s website.

The natural host of Nipah virus is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. The virus has also been detected in several other bat species across countries including Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand.

First recognised during a 1999 outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia, Nipah has caused periodic outbreaks in Bangladesh since 2001 and in eastern India.

Sri Lankan health officials said the country was tracking developments at the regional level and remains in contact with international health monitoring systems, reported Xinhua. While no cases have been reported locally, authorities have indicated that preparedness measures are in place should the situation evolve.

Dr Budhathoki said the ministry is using media and social networks to educate the public on the virus and prevention measures.

"Awareness is our first line of defence," he said, adding that the government will continue to strengthen surveillance and response measures as the situation develops.