British health authorities issue travel warning as fatal virus reappears in West Bengal. The World Health Organization lists Nipah as a top-priority disease, with no vaccine and a fatality rate of up to 75%.
A new outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, has prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue precautionary advice to British travellers. The virus, which can spread from animals to humans and between people, is considered highly dangerous due to its severe symptoms and high mortality rate.
Though no cases have been detected in the UK, authorities are taking preventive measures seriously, particularly with the high volume of travel between India and the United Kingdom. According to the UKHSA, understanding symptoms and methods of prevention is essential for those planning to visit affected regions.
West Bengal Reports First Nipah Outbreak in Nearly Two Decades
Health authorities in India have confirmed two cases of Nipah virus in West Bengal, marking the state’s first recorded outbreak in 19 years, according to the UKHSA. The infections were reported among healthcare workers at the Narayana Multispeciality Hospital in Barasat, just outside Kolkata. The hospital has since become the centre of containment efforts.
According to a senior health official in the state’s disease surveillance team, the outbreak began with an index patient suffering from severe respiratory symptoms who died before testing could be completed. The virus was later detected in two nurses who had been caring for the patient.
India’s health ministry has stated that all 196 contacts of the confirmed cases have been traced and tested negative. Despite this, the government remains on high alert and continues monitoring the situation. As part of public health measures, home quarantine has been ordered for nearly 100 individuals, including hospital staff.
Meanwhile, airport screenings across Asia have been reinforced. According to the BBC, Thailand, Nepal, Taiwan and Sri Lanka have all introduced health declaration forms and temperature checks for passengers arriving from West Bengal. These procedures resemble those adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UKHSA Advises Caution, but Says Risk Remains Low
Although the Nipah virus is known for its high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75% as per the World Health Organization, the UKHSA has clarified that the risk to UK travellers is very low. The agency emphasised that most tourists are unlikely to encounter the virus unless they engage in high-risk local practices such as consuming raw date palm sap, which has been linked to past outbreaks.
The virus is most commonly spread through direct contact with infected animals, such as bats and pigs, or through person-to-person transmission, often via body fluids. Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting and sore throat, and in severe cases, the disease can lead to encephalitis or pneumonia. Some individuals who recover may experience long-term neurological effects or even see the virus reactivate months later.
According to the UKHSA, British travellers heading to affected areas should take standard precautions, including avoiding contact with bats and sick animals, not consuming uncooked or fallen fruit, and washing hands regularly, especially after caring for sick individuals. Those who develop symptoms during or after their travels should seek medical attention immediately and report their travel history to their healthcare provider.
