We wish to draw members’ attention to a recent announcement by the Department of Health (DH) regarding a cluster of Nipah virus infections reported in India.

According to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), preliminary information indicates that five confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection have been recorded since mid‑January 2026 at a hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The cases were mainly related to nosocomial transmission and primarily involved healthcare workers. There have been no reported deaths or cross‑border transmissions to date. Approximately 100 close contacts have been quarantined and tested in India.

The CHP has proactively sought further information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian health authorities. Health screenings are being conducted for inbound travellers from the affected areas who show suspected symptoms, with suspected cases referred to hospitals for investigation. At present, there are no imported or local cases of Nipah virus infection in Hong Kong, and the CHP’s current risk assessment considers the risk of importation to Hong Kong to be low.

The DH advised that Hong Kong has robust capabilities to detect emerging infectious diseases at boundary control points and in hospitals. As a precautionary measure, the CHP will step up health screenings for passengers arriving from India, including temperature screening and medical assessments where necessary.

Nipah virus is an emerging zoonotic disease, with fruit bats as its natural host. Transmission may occur through contact with infected animals, consumption of food contaminated by bats (particularly raw date palm sap), or through close human‑to‑human contact. Symptoms may range from mild flu‑like illness to severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Currently, no specific treatment is available, and management is mainly supportive.

Members are encouraged to stay informed through official government announcements. Should there be any updates, further information will be shared as appropriate.  Members may refer to the official Government press releases for further details:

DH follows up on Nipah virus infection cluster in India (English)
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202601/26/P2026012600674.htm