PUBLIC ADVISORY # 7 | 30 January 2026.
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to assure members of the public that Fiji is currently safe from the Nipah Virus.
According to a statement on January 27th by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, two (2) cases of Nipah Virus disease have been reported in West Bengal from December last year to date, while196 people who were in contact with the confirmed cases have been identified, monitored and tested, with all remaining without symptoms and testing negative.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in India, Nipah Virus outbreaks have occurred multiple times since 2001 with outbreaks in West Bengal State in 2001 and 2007, and in Kerala State regularly since 2018.
In West Bengal, previous outbreaks occurred in 2001 (Siliguri) and 2007 (Nadia district). These districts are directly adjacent to Bangladesh, where near-annual Nipah outbreaks are reported, and share similar ecological conditions, including fruit bat populations.
At this time, there have been no cases of Nipah Virus linked to this year’s Indian outbreak reported in other countries. China has not reported cases this year.
Nipah Virus is spread from infected animals to humans and through contaminated food. Human to human transmission, through contact with an infected person or their body fluids is also possible, but less common.
Symptoms of infection range from no symptoms to body aches, headaches, vomiting, sore throat and fever. Serious complications included pneumonia, and encephalitis. Case fatality rate (the proportion of people who died from the disease among all people diagnosed with the disease over a period of time) is estimated at 40-75%.
The Ministry has assessed the evidence and in consultation with the WHO, advises that the risk to Fiji from the current Nipah Virus outbreak, consisting of 2 cases in West Bengal India, is low. However, it is advised that people who have recently travelled to West Bengal immediately seek medical attention should any symptoms develop.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation, as it does with other outbreaks around the world and will work with WHO and other reputable partners in assessing potential global threats to public health. Should there be a change in the situation that increases the risk to Fiji, the people of Fiji will be informed.
ENDS