𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐈𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥

…. 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝑯 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Kinga Choki

The country is on high alert following the recent Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, with the Ministry of Health implementing robust surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent the importation of the virus into the country. The outbreak, confirmed on January 12, 2026, has so far resulted in two cases, one of which has recovered and been discharged, while the second remains under treatment. All 196 identified contacts have completed quarantine and tested negative, indicating that the outbreak has remained localized and contained.

“The Ministry of Health (MoH) has activated all preparedness and response measures to safeguard the country from any potential Nipah virus cases. We have established enhanced surveillance systems, strengthened screening at all points of entry, and continue to monitor the evolving situation closely in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO),” said Karma Jamtsho, Director of the Department of Public Health.

“At present, the overall risk of importation in the country is considered low, but we are taking proactive steps to ensure early detection, rapid response, and public awareness. We urge the public to adhere strictly to hygiene and safety measures, avoid high-risk behaviors, and rely only on verified information from credible sources.”

Since February 1, 2026, Bhutan has closely monitored the West Bengal outbreak, which has so far affected only two individuals. The Ministry’s rapid assessment and monitoring show that no additional cases have emerged, and the situation remains controlled. To mitigate any risk, the Royal Centre for Disease Control, in collaboration with the Ministry and WHO, has conducted three rounds of risk assessments since the outbreak. The most recent assessment, carried out on February 2, 2026, confirmed that the likelihood of Nipah virus importation into Bhutan remains low.

In anticipation of potential exposure, the country has established a comprehensive surveillance system for the detection of suspected Nipah cases. All health facilities, particularly those near border areas, have been placed on high alert to monitor and report any unusual illnesses promptly. The Department of Public Health is coordinating closely with frontline health workers and border personnel to ensure timely identification and isolation of any suspected cases.

Screening protocols have been intensified at all international airports and ground crossings. High-risk travelers are required to submit mandatory health declarations and undergo thermal and visual screening. In addition, in-flight health announcements are being made for travelers arriving from affected areas to raise awareness and encourage self-reporting of symptoms. These proactive measures aim to limit the potential for the virus to enter the country and ensure early intervention should a case be detected.

Public health communication has been a cornerstone of the country’s preparedness strategy. The Ministry has been actively disseminating advisories and risk information to the public, emphasizing preventive measures to reduce exposure. Citizens are being urged to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoid consumption of raw date palm sap or fruit contaminated by bats or other animals, and refrain from contact with bats, pigs, or sick animals in high-risk areas. Frequent hand-washing, maintaining respiratory hygiene, and wearing face masks in crowded spaces are being encouraged, particularly when caring for ill individuals. The public is also advised to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions.

The Technical Advisory Group, Health Emergency Operation Center, and the Department of Public Health are closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with points of entry health workers, and adjusting the national response as the risk evolves. These coordinated efforts are designed to ensure that the country can respond swiftly to any suspected case while maintaining the safety of healthcare workers and the public.

Karma Jamtsho emphasized the importance of vigilance and verified information. “We continue to coordinate with national and international health partners to safeguard the health of our population. It is critical that the public refrains from spreading unverified information and relies solely on official sources such as the Ministry of Health and the WHO. Preparedness is our best defense, and we are committed to taking all necessary actions to protect our people.”

As the country maintains its preventive measures, the Ministry reiterates that early detection, public cooperation, and strict adherence to hygiene practices remain the most effective tools against the Nipah virus. The country’s current approach combines surveillance, screening, risk assessment, and public communication, demonstrating a comprehensive and proactive public health strategy.

With continued vigilance and the implementation of these measures, the country remains well-prepared to detect and respond to any potential cases of Nipah virus, ensuring the safety and health of its citizens while monitoring developments in the region.