Only two Nipah cases in West Bengal since December; all 196 contacts test negative: Health Ministry
The Union Health Ministry said on 27 January 2026 that, as per NCDC, only two confirmed Nipah Virus Disease cases have been reported in West Bengal since December 2025, and all 196 traced contacts tested negative.
Summary
Responding to speculative figures in the media, the Health Ministry clarified that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded only two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus Disease in West Bengal from December 2025 to date. In coordination with the West Bengal government, 196 contacts linked to the cases were identified, traced, monitored and tested; all were asymptomatic and negative. Enhanced surveillance and field investigations ensured containment, and no further cases have been detected.
Key facts
- Date
- 27 January 2026
- State
- West Bengal
- Confirmed cases
- Two, since December 2025 (NCDC)
- Contacts traced
- 196 — all asymptomatic and negative
- Status
- No additional cases detected
Practice MCQs 2 questions
According to the Health Ministry's statement of 27 January 2026, how many confirmed Nipah Virus Disease cases had been reported in West Bengal since December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Two
PIB (Health): as per NCDC, only two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus Disease have been reported from West Bengal since December.
In the January 2026 Nipah clarification, which body's reports did the Health Ministry cite for the confirmed case count?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — National Centre for Disease Control
PIB (Health): the figures are 'as per reports received from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)'.