Infectious Disease Expert on Latest Nipah Virus Case: "Be Alert, But Not Alarmed"

On February 3, 2026, Bangladesh’s International Health Regulations National Focal Point (IHR NFP) notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a confirmed case of Nipah virus infection in Rajshahi Division, northwestern Bangladesh. This follows 2 confirmed Nipah virus infections in India on January 26, 2026.^1,2

The most recent case of the zoonotic pathogen carried by fruit bats involves a woman aged 40 to 50 years from the Naogan District that was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing on January 29, 2026. Initial symptoms were reported on January 21, including fever, headache, muscle cramps, anorexia, weakness, and vomiting, which progressed to hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsions. After becoming unconscious on January 27, she was referred to a tertiary hospital, where she was admitted on January 28. Unfortunately, the patient died the same day after surveillance samples were collected, according to a statement released by the WHO.¹

While the development of infection is not confirmed, the patient reported continued consumption of raw date palm sap between January 5 and January 20, 2026, which could be a possible cause.¹

A total of 35 contacts were identified, including 3 household, 14 community, and 18 hospital contacts. Samples were collected from 6 individuals who were symptomatic; however, the individuals tested negative for Nipah virus by PCR and ELISA. As of February 3, no additional cases have been detected, with all contacts remaining under monitoring. This case is not a surprise, as Bangladesh has reported Nipah virus infections nearly every year since the first case in 2001, including 4 laboratory-confirmed fatal cases in 2025.¹

Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antivirals for the Nipah virus; however, Linfa Wang, PhD, FTSE, FAAM, FAA, FSNAS, director of the Global Virus Network (GVN) Center of Excellence at Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, noted that vaccine advancements rely on global collaboration and public funding.²

Expert Insights on Nipah Virus and Vaccine Candidates

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Wang highlights vaccine updates and antiviral candidates for Nipah virus while sharing key takeaways pharmacists should be aware of about the sporadic and unprecedented nature of these infections.

Q: What environmental or biological factors currently prevent Nipah from achieving sustained human-to-human transmission?

Linfa Wang, PhD, FTSE FAAM FAA FSNAS: Human-to-human transmission is mainly a biological feature of any virus. In the case of Nipah, human-to-human transmission only happens when there is very close contact.

Q: What is the development status of the promising vaccine and antiviral candidates currently in animal studies?

Wang: A lot is happening or has been done in vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and small-molecule antivirals. All of them have shown very promising efficacy in animal experiments. The challenge is to pass regulatory/financial hurdles, as it is hard to do phase 2/3 trials when the case number is so low and there is no financial incentive from the private sector to develop a commercial product. CEPI is leading the way, and we have several vaccine candidates close to the human phase.

Q: How is the GVN prioritizing the development of rapid, point-of-care diagnostics in affected regions?

Wang: A rapid antigen test in a POC setting is the high priority. This can only be achieved by seamless collaboration between academic, governmental, and industrial partnerships.

Q: What should health care providers, including pharmacists, understand about the sporadic and unprecedented nature of these infections?

Wang: Be alert, but not alarmed. Overall, the risk of a large-scale outbreak, let alone a pandemic, is very low. But all health providers should be well educated about the virus and know where to get help, especially in the area of early detection and laboratory confirmation of Nipah infections.

REFERENCES

1. Nipah virus infection – Bangladesh. World Health Organization. February 6, 2026. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON594

2. Ferruggia K. Nipah Outbreak in India Poses Low Global Risk Despite Lack of Approved Treatments. Pharmacy Times. February 5, 2026. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/nipah-outbreak-in-india-poses-low-global-risk-despite-lack-of-approved-treatments