According to official sources, two people have been infected with the Nipah virus in the Indian state of West Bengal. The two confirmed cases are people who work in a hospital. 196 people who have been in contact with them have been traced. None of them had any symptoms and they all tested negative for the virus.  According to official sources, two people have been infected with the Nipah virus in the Indian state of West Bengal. The two confirmed cases are people who work in a hospital. 196 people who have been in contact with them have been traced. None of them had any symptoms and they all tested negative for the virus.  

Most infections via fruit bats 

Nipah only occurs in Southeast Asia and South Asia. There are annual outbreaks in Bangladesh, and outbreaks also occur occasionally in India. The disease is mainly transmitted by fruit bats, but can also be transmitted by other animals. People can also become ill by eating fresh fruit, drinking fresh fruit juice, and coming into contact with bodily fluids from someone who is infected. 

Mild to severe symptoms 

Not everyone with Nipah virus disease has symptoms. People who do become ill from the virus may experience mild to severe symptoms. However, between 40 and 75% of patients with the virus will die. That is why it is important for travellers to take measures to avoid becoming infected. 

Recommendations for people travelling to West Bengal 

The risk of infection is very low for Dutch travellers. Follow these recommendations to minimise the risk of contracting the virus:  

• Do not touch any animals. That includes their saliva, blood or droppings.
• Do not eat any food that may be contaminated with bat saliva or droppings.
• Do not drink any date palm juice – especially not raw (uncooked).
• Wash, peel, and cook fruit and vegetables before eating.
• Avoid contact with infected people.