The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that the Maldives currently faces a low risk from the Nipah virus, despite recent confirmed cases reported in India. The agency said the situation is being closely monitored as a precaution.

According to HPA, three people tested positive for the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, in January 2026. Indian health authorities have conducted extensive contact tracing and identified around 180 individuals who had contact with the confirmed cases. These individuals have been quarantined and are under close medical observation. HPA noted that no additional confirmed cases have been reported in India and no cases have been detected in other countries.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans, particularly from fruit bats and pigs. It can also be transmitted through close human-to-human contact or by consuming contaminated food. Symptoms may include fever, headache, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulties, while severe cases can lead to encephalitis and respiratory failure. There is currently no specific cure for the virus, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.

HPA said that although India has reported Nipah cases in previous years, the risk of the virus being imported to the Maldives remains low. The agency confirmed that no suspected cases or related contacts have been reported locally. As a precaution, HPA has advised travellers to West Bengal to remain cautious and practise good hygiene, adding that it will continue to work with relevant authorities to monitor the situation.