The Bhutanese Leading the way.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) Bhutan is maintaining heightened vigilance following the recent outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, confirmed on 12th January 2026.
The MoH has been closely monitoring the situation to prevent the virus from spreading into the country, working in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess potential risks.
Since 1st February 2026, reports indicate that one confirmed patient has recovered and been discharged, while the second patient is currently recovering.
All 196 individuals who were in contact with the confirmed cases have completed quarantine and tested negative for the virus.
According to the MoH, the situation has remained localized and contained, with no new cases reported.
The Director of Department of Public Health, Karma Jamtsho, said, “The ministry has all the preparedness and response measures in place.”
He explained that Bhutan’s surveillance and monitoring systems have been activated to detect any suspected Nipah virus cases promptly.
Health facilities across the country, especially in border areas, have been placed on high alert to ensure early identification and management of potential infections. Moreover, the Royal Center for Disease Control (RCDC) has conducted three rounds of risk assessments since the outbreak in West Bengal, with the most recent assessment on 2 February confirming that the overall risk of importation into Bhutan remains low.
Despite the low risk, MoH has initiated several proactive measures to prevent any spread of the virus. Screening procedures for travelers arriving from high-risk areas have been intensified.
The Director said, “We initiated screening of high-risk travellers at points of entry, including airports and ground crossings,” noting that thermal and visual screening, mandatory health declarations, and in-flight health announcements are part of the process. These measures are intended to detect potential cases before they enter the country, safeguarding both travelers and the public.
Additionally, the MoH has issued advisories urging citizens to follow simple yet critical preventive practices. Karma Jamtsho said, “We strongly urge the public to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoid raw date palm sap, and maintain hand hygiene.”
MoH also recommends avoiding contact with bats, pigs, and sick animals in high-risk areas, refraining from unnecessary travel to affected regions, and practicing respiratory hygiene in crowded spaces.
In addition, health workers and relevant stakeholders have been sensitized on early detection and reporting. “The Department of Public Health, RCDC, Technical Advisory Group, and Health Emergency Operation Center are monitoring the situation closely,” the Director said.
In addition to surveillance and public advisories, the MoH is ensuring that response systems, including laboratory testing, isolation facilities, and emergency protocols, are ready for immediate activation.
