TN heightens vigil against Nipah virus after cases reported in West Bengal

January 19, 2026

Chennai: Tamil Nadu has intensified disease surveillance and hospital preparedness following the confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in Nadia district of West Bengal, triggering a nationwide health alert. Acting on advisories from the Government of India, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine has directed all district, city and municipal health authorities to strengthen monitoring for Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) across the State.

All patients presenting with fever and altered sensorium are to be closely observed, with special focus on those who have recently travelled to West Bengal or had contact with individuals from affected areas. Such cases must be promptly evaluated for possible Nipah virus infection, officials said.

Guidelines issued, field-level vigilance stressed

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said comprehensive guidelines and precautionary measures have already been circulated to all districts. District Health Officers have been asked to activate enhanced surveillance mechanisms, while block medical officers and heads of government hospitals have been instructed to remain alert and prepared to respond swiftly to suspected cases.

Director of Public Health A. Somasundaram emphasised the need for strong field-level preparedness and called for intensified awareness campaigns among healthcare workers and the public. Strengthening surveillance, ensuring early detection, improving clinical management, and strict adherence to infection prevention and control practices were critical, he said.

Reporting, transmission risks and infection control

The DPH has instructed both government and private hospitals to immediately report all AES cases to District Surveillance Units through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme–Integrated Health Information Platform. Officials noted that timely reporting is essential to prevent potential spread.

According to the health department, Nipah virus can spread through close contact with infected persons, fruit bats or pigs, as well as through consumption of fruits contaminated by bat secretions or raw date palm sap. Human-to-human transmission has also been reported, especially during caregiving without adequate protection. Hospitals have been directed to immediately isolate suspected cases and strictly enforce infection control protocols to minimise transmission risks.