UK health authorities have issued a health warning about the Nipah virus after two cases were confirmed in West Bengal, India, prompting increased airport screening and surveillance across several Asian countries. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the risk to the UK public remains very low, as no cases have been detected there, but emphasises travellers should be aware. Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals like fruit bats to humans, through contaminated food, or via close contact, and has a high fatality rate (40–75 %). Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and respiratory issues, which can worsen to encephalitis or brain inflammation. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available, making vigilance essential. 

Indian officials announced they have contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in West Bengal state, saying enhanced surveillance, lab testing and tracing of 196 contacts — all testing negative — helped control spread. Nipah is a highly fatal virus with a 40–75% death rate and no vaccine, transmitted from animals like fruit bats and pigs to humans. The health ministry said the situation is under constant monitoring with measures in place. Several Asian countries have stepped up airport health screenings as a precaution. (PC: Reuters)

West Bengal faces a Nipah virus outbreak with five confirmed cases in Barasat near Kolkata, prompting authorities to place 100 individuals under home quarantine. The infected include two nurses in ICU, a doctor, another nurse, and a healthcare worker, now receiving specialized care at Beleghata infectious diseases hospital. The Union Health Ministry deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team and shared containment protocols. Key precautions include thoroughly washing fruits, avoiding raw date palm sap, maintaining hand hygiene, and not consuming ground fruits showing bite marks. Symptoms appear within 4-14 days, resembling flu initially before potentially causing serious neurological complications. With no approved vaccine or cure, rapid detection and strict isolation remain critical for containment. (PC:X)

At least 22 people in Indore’s Mhow area fell ill after consuming contaminated drinking water, prompting hospitalisation and medical monitoring. Nine were admitted, while others receive treatment at home as authorities survey affected neighbourhoods. This new wave comes weeks after a larger waterborne disease crisis linked to contaminated pipelines in Bhagirathpura that earlier killed at least 15 people and hospitalised many more amid diarrhoea and vomiting outbreaks. The local administration, led by District Collector Shivam Verma, deployed health teams and began a rapid response to contain further spread. A high-level probe into the causes and accountability is underway. (PC: PTI)

Two suspected Nipah virus cases have been detected at Barasat Hospital in West Bengal, officials said on Monday. State health teams visited the hospital to assess the situation. The Union health secretary reviewed the matter with senior state officers. A national outbreak response team has been sent to support containment steps. The team includes experts from NIV Pune, NIE Chennai, AIIMS Kalyani, and institutes in Kolkata. The NCDC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate action. The Centre has shared guidelines with the state disease unit. Union Health Minister J P Nadda wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and assured full support, including lab help, surveillance, and contact tracing. (PC: AI-Generated)

At least seven people have died and over 100 hospitalised in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after consuming contaminated drinking water, city officials confirmed. The outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting was traced to a leak in the main water pipeline, allowing drainage water to mix with the municipal supply. Residents reported foul-smelling water before falling sick. Authorities are treating patients and investigating the cause, while suspensions and disciplinary actions have been ordered against municipal officials. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced compensation for victims’ families and free treatment. The incident has raised concerns about basic civic services in the cleanliness-acclaimed city. (PC: Instagram)

Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has urged Australian health authorities to review a recent alert about counterfeit rabies vaccine batches circulating in India, saying the warning may cause undue public anxiety. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation had cautioned that fake Abhayrab vaccine batches might have been in use since November 2023, advising travellers to consider revaccination. IIL countered that the issue involved only one specific counterfeit batch identified and reported in January 2025, which is no longer on the market, and has asked for the advisory to be revised to reflect the isolated nature of the incident. 

Parents of children with thalassemia in India are devastated after their children tested HIV positive. Five children in Madhya Pradesh and five in Jharkhand were found infected during routine tests. The children depend on regular blood transfusions to survive. Authorities have ordered probes into blood banks and hospitals involved. Health officials said treatment has started and the children are stable. Parents fear social stigma and loss of schooling. Activists say the cases expose gaps in blood screening. They have urged faster passage of stronger blood safety laws. (PC: BBC)

Hospitals across England are on high alert after new data showed flu cases hit record levels for this time of year. NHS England said more than 3,100 flu patients were in hospital last week. The rise has started to slow in some regions, but pressure remains high. The warning comes as resident doctors continue their strike action during the busy winter period. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said flu and strikes are putting strain on services. NHS leaders urged people to seek care when needed and get flu jabs. Ambulance delays have improved, but hospitals remain under stress. (PC: Sky News)

Indian scientists have warned about the risk of bird flu spreading to humans. Researchers from Ashoka University used computer models to study a possible outbreak. They said the virus could first infect people who work with poultry. The main danger begins if the virus spreads from human to human. The study found early action is crucial. Quarantine and isolation can stop the spread if done fast. Delay can lead to wider infection. The model was based on a poultry village in Tamil Nadu. Scientists said better monitoring and quick response can prevent a major outbreak. Health officials are urged to stay alert. (PC: BBC)