News
Nipah virus: information for travellers and health professionals
Information on risks and prevention for travellers and health professionals
Zoonoses (diseases from animals) in travellers
A zoonotic disease is one that spreads between animals and humans and has the potential to be an increasing problem for travellers
Topics
Nipah viral disease
Nipah virus disease is caused by the Nipah virus (NiV) carried by fruit bats, also known as flying foxes
Outbreaks
Nipah virus in India
On 27th January 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India reported that 196 contacts of two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease in West Bengal have tested negative. This is the 9th Nipah virus outbreak in India since the first outbreak in 2001. Between 2018 and 2025, outbreaks have been reported almost annually in Kerala. Media sources have reported screening measures have been introduced at some international airports for travellers arriving from the affected area. Risk of Nipah virus disease for tourists visiting endemic countries is very low, if standard precautions are followed. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on Nipah virus disease.
Rajshahi
Barisal
Nipah virus in Bangladesh
On 18 September 2025, the World Health Organization reported a total of four confirmed fatal Nipah virus cases in Bangladesh since January 2025. All cases were reported at different times in four separate districts across three different divisions: Barisal, Dhaka and Rajshahi. No epidemiological links have been identified between these cases. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on Nipah viral disease.
Nipah virus in India
Between 17 May and 12 July 2025, there have been four confirmed Nipah virus cases, including two deaths in Kerala. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on Nipah virus.
