[Virus. Photo Credit: Pixabay]

India is on heightened alert after health officials confirmed two cases of Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal,  detected on January 26, 2026.

While the virus is rare but serious, and although the situation is currently under control, it has reminded many people of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The India government is taking careful steps to prevent the disease from spreading and has  urged the public to stay calm and follow health advice.

The two infected people were  confirmed through laboratory tests. 

Following confirmation, health workers  swiftly isolated the patients to  prevent further transmission. 

Health officials also traced  individuals who had close contact with them.

Around 90  individuals were identified as close contacts and were placed under observation. 

So far, none of them have shown symptoms, and no new cases have been reported.

The Nipah virus is a disease that can spread from animals to humans. 

Fruit bats are the main carriers of the virus. 

People can become infected by eating food contaminated by bats or by having close contact with someone who has already got  infected. 

 Early symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, and difficulty breathing. 

In serious cases, the virus can affect the brain and can be deadly. 

These symptoms reminded many people of Covid-19.

Because there is no vaccine or specific medicine to cure Nipah yet, health officials  are taking every case very seriously. 

In the past, Nipah outbreaks have had high death rates,  leading the World Health Organization  to list it as a dangerous virus that needs close monitoring.

However, experts also say that Nipah does not spread as easily as Covid-19,  with most infections  occurring only after close contact.

After news of the cases in India, several countries in Asia began  implementing extra precautions. 

Airports in countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan  reinstated Covid-19 style health checks for travelers coming from India.

These  measures include temperature screening and health  questionnaires. 

Officials in these countries  assured the public that the measures are only for safety and do not  indicate a widespread outbreak of the  virus.

Within India, hospitals in West Bengal have  strengthened safety rules for doctors and patients. 

The health teams are continuing contact tracing and watching for symptoms in nearby areas. 

The government has also shared  public health advisories, advising people to wash hands often, avoid contact with sick people, and report symptoms early.

Health experts say that the quick response shows India is better prepared than before. 

Lessons learned from  the Covid-19 pandemic, such as fast testing, contact tracing, and clear communication, are helping authorities act quickly.

While the situation is serious, officials stress that there is no need for panic. 

They say staying informed, calm, and careful is the best way to prevent further spread of the virus.

 In response, the government is focusing on early detection, quarantine, and monitoring people who have been in contact with patients. 

Hospitals are also  implementing extra safety  measures, like protective clothing for staff and careful disposal of medical waste.

Authorities have also  stated that they will share updates if there are any new cases. 

For now, the outbreak remains  contained, and officials believe early action is helping to keep the virus under control.