As health authorities in India intensify surveillance following confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, medical experts in the UAE are urging travellers to remain informed and cautious—without unnecessary alarm.
According to India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in New Delhi, two confirmed Nipah virus cases have been reported in West Bengal since December 2025. Official government data indicates that all 196 contacts linked to the cases were traced, tested, and found negative. Federal and state agencies have since enhanced surveillance, testing, and field investigations to ensure swift containment.
Nipah virus is a rare but potentially serious infection that typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches. In uncommon cases, the illness can progress rapidly, leading to severe neurological complications. While the overall risk to travellers remains low, doctors emphasise that awareness and early medical attention are crucial.
“While most travellers will never encounter Nipah virus, awareness is important, particularly during reported outbreaks,” said Dr Noha Abdelwahed, Specialist in Neurology at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Dubai. “Early recognition and sensible precautions can make a significant difference.”
Medical experts have outlined five practical measures for UAE residents travelling to India. Travellers are advised to recognise early symptoms such as fever, headache, extreme tiredness, body aches, and respiratory symptoms, which may resemble common viral infections. Particular attention should be paid to neurological warning signs, including confusion, unusual behaviour, excessive drowsiness, seizures, difficulty speaking, imbalance, weakness, or reduced consciousness. Fever followed by confusion or seizures should be treated as a medical emergency.
Reducing exposure risk is also key. Travellers should avoid close contact with individuals who are unwell, practise consistent hand hygiene, and avoid consuming potentially contaminated food, including uncovered or partially eaten fruit. Extra caution is advised in areas reporting cases, including limiting visits to healthcare facilities unless necessary and following strict protective measures if exposure is unavoidable.
If symptoms develop, travellers should seek medical care promptly and inform healthcare providers about recent travel to affected regions. Early disclosure enables timely isolation and appropriate medical response.
“For reassurance, Nipah remains rare, and most UAE–India travellers will not be affected,” Dr Abdelwahed added. “However, because the condition can progress quickly in uncommon cases, timely medical evaluation is essential when neurological symptoms appear. Awareness, not alarm, is the key.”
