Unveiling the Mystery of Nipah Virus: A Deep Dive into Expert Insights from a WHO Webinar
The recent emergence of two confirmed Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal, India, has sparked renewed interest in understanding this deadly disease. The World Health Organization's South-East Asia Region (WHO SEARO) and its partners took swift action by organizing a webinar on February 4, 2026, to shed light on the epidemiology, clinical management, and public health strategies surrounding Nipah virus.
The webinar was a collaborative effort between the Community of Practice on Public Health Intelligence and the Health Emergencies Programme at the WHO SEARO Regional Office. Dr. Masaya Kato and Dr. Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Managers, initiated the event, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in public health intelligence.
The scientific experts invited from India provided a comprehensive overview of the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal. Dr. Dipankar Maji, Director of Hospital Administration, presented the epidemiological context, detailing the public health response following the detection of NiV infections in nurses. Dr. Yogiraj Ray, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, followed up with a clinical perspective, describing the progression of symptoms, laboratory findings, and imaging results.
Prof. Anish TS, from the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, shared valuable lessons learned from previous outbreaks in Kerala. He focused on One Health approaches, the risks associated with bat habitat disruption, and seasonal disease patterns. Dr. Pragya D. Yadav, a Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research, contributed scientific insights into transmission dynamics, animal surveillance, diagnostics, and viral sequencing.
Dr. Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe then highlighted WHO's strategic approach to Nipah virus prevention and control in the South-East Asia Region. He explained the virus's priority status for WHO, the influence of the 2019 expert consultation on the Regional Strategy, and the key components of this strategy. Additionally, he addressed the regional challenges in preventing and controlling Nipah virus infections.
The webinar concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage with the experts and gain further insights. This event not only provided a comprehensive understanding of Nipah virus but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in public health intelligence.
