Tripura, 16 Jan 2026: The Tripura government is fully alert and prepared to handle any potential Nipah virus situation in the state, said Saju Bahid A., Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), while addressing a press conference at the Secretariat Press Conference Hall on Thursday.
Informing the media about the current status and preparedness, he stated that Nipah virus is a contagious disease that primarily spreads from animals to humans and, in certain cases, through human-to-human transmission. In India, limited outbreaks of the virus have been reported in Kerala since 2018. In July 2025, infections were detected in a few districts of Kerala, and recently, two Nipah virus cases were reported from West Bengal. However, he clarified that no cases have been reported in Tripura so far.
Addressing the press, Dr. Tapan Majumdar, Head of the Department of Microbiology at AGMC, said that the virus mainly spreads through close contact and has a high mortality rate of around 75 to 80 percent. He explained that the primary causes of infection include consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by bats, eating fruits contaminated with bat saliva or urine, and close contact with infected individuals.
Dr. Majumdar further stated that symptoms of Nipah virus infection may include fever, headache, body ache, vomiting, weakness, respiratory distress or cough, seizures, and loss of consciousness. He advised people to immediately consult a doctor if any such symptoms or fever occur and urged the public not to ignore fever under any circumstances. He added that RT-PCR testing is used to detect the virus, and testing facilities are available at the Microbiology Department in Agartala.
He informed that the Health Department has directed all district hospitals to identify and keep isolation beds ready, with similar arrangements made at GB Hospital. The department is also fully prepared in terms of diagnostics.
Highlighting preventive measures, NHM MD Saju Bahid A. appealed to the public to avoid consuming raw date palm sap, wash fruits thoroughly and peel them before consumption, avoid eating partially eaten or fallen fruits, maintain regular hand hygiene using soap, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and strictly follow government advisories.
He emphasized that there is no need for panic and urged citizens to stay away from rumours and misinformation.
Meanwhile, Director of Health Services Dr. Debashree Debbarma stated that the Health Department is fully prepared after reviewing all aspects of the situation. She said that instructions have been issued to hospitals to remain ready, public awareness initiatives have been strengthened, and directives have been given for the early identification of suspected cases. She added that specific clinical guidelines and a detailed roadmap have been prepared, and steps have been taken to ensure adequate oxygen reserves.
The press conference was also attended by Joint Director of Health Services Dr. Nirmal Sarkar.
