Nipah Virus (NiV): Symptoms, Survival Rates, and the 2026 Situation in India

In an era of emerging global health threats, the Nipah Virus (NiV) remains one of the most concerning pathogens on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) priority list. With a high fatality rate and no current vaccine, understanding this virus is crucial for public safety.

Nipah Virus (NiV): Symptoms, Survival Rates, and the 2026 Situation in India

In this guide, we explore how the virus affects humans, whether survival is possible, and the current status of the virus in India as of early 2026.

1. What Does Nipah Virus Do to Humans? (The Symptoms)

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it jumps from animals (primarily fruit bats) to humans. Once a person is infected, the virus attacks the body in two primary ways:

Acute Respiratory Infection: Initially, it mimics a severe flu. Patients experience high fever, sore throat, muscle pain, and a persistent cough. In severe cases, it leads to acute respiratory distress.

Encephalitis (Brain Inflammation): This is the most dangerous aspect. The virus causes swelling in the brain, leading to drowsiness, disorientation, and mental confusion.

Rapid Progression: Within 24 to 48 hours of brain symptoms appearing, a patient can fall into a coma.

2. Has Anyone Survived Nipah?

Yes, people do survive Nipah virus, but the survival rate is alarmingly low.

Fatality Rate: The mortality rate is estimated between 40% and 75%, depending on the outbreak's location and the quality of local healthcare.

Long-term Effects: Survival does not always mean a full recovery. Many survivors suffer from lingering neurological issues, such as persistent convulsions (seizures) and significant personality changes.

Relapsing Nipah: In rare cases, the virus can remain "dormant" in the body and cause a relapse or delayed encephalitis months or even years after the initial infection.

3. Does the Nipah Virus Still Exist?

Yes, the Nipah virus still exists. It has not been eradicated.

Because the natural host of the virus—the Pteropus fruit bat—is found throughout South and Southeast Asia, the virus remains a constant threat. Outbreaks typically occur seasonally, often linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap or fruit contaminated by bat saliva or urine.

4. Is the Nipah Virus in India? (2026 Update)

Yes, Nipah virus is currently present in India. India has faced several outbreaks over the last decade, and the risk remains active:

Kerala: The state has become a hotspot for NiV, with recurring cases in districts like Kozhikode and Malappuram. In late 2025 and early 2026, health departments in Kerala remained on high alert following sporadic cases.

West Bengal: Recent reports in January 2026 indicate a spike in surveillance in regions near the Bangladesh border and parts of Kolkata, where the virus has historically appeared.

Government Response: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have established strict protocols and mobile testing labs in high-risk zones to contain the spread.

Prevention: How to Stay Safe

Since there is no specific drug or vaccine for Nipah, prevention is your best defense:

Avoid Raw Date Palm Sap: This is a common source of infection.

Wash Fruits Thoroughly: Do not eat fruits that show signs of bird or animal bites.

Avoid Sick Animals: Stay away from pigs or bats in areas where the virus is known to circulate.

Practice Hygiene: Regular handwashing and wearing masks in clinical settings are vital.