Unveiling the Nipah Virus: Expert Insights from a WHO Webinar
The recent emergence of two confirmed Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal, India, has sparked renewed interest in understanding this disease's epidemiology, clinical management, and public health response. The World Health Organization's South-East Asia Region (WHO SEARO) took proactive measures by hosting a webinar on February 4, 2026, to address these critical aspects.
The webinar, organized by the Community of Practice on Public Health Intelligence in collaboration with the Health Emergencies Programme at the WHO SEARO Regional Office, was a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experiences. Dr. Masaya Kato and Dr. Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Managers at WHO SEARO, initiated the event, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in public health intelligence.
The scientific experts, including Dr. Dipankar Maji, Dr. Yogiraj Ray, Prof. Anish TS, and Dr. Pragya D. Yadav, provided valuable insights into the Nipah virus outbreak. Dr. Maji, Director of Hospital Administration in West Bengal, outlined the epidemiological context, detailing the public health response following the detection of NiV infections among nurses. Dr. Ray, an Associate Professor at IPGME&R, Kolkata, then delved into the clinical aspects, describing symptom progression, laboratory findings, and management strategies.
Prof. Anish TS, from the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, shared crucial lessons learned from previous outbreaks in Kerala, emphasizing One Health approaches and the impact of bat habitat disruption on spillover risks. Dr. Yadav, a Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research, contributed scientific insights into transmission dynamics, animal surveillance, diagnostics, and viral sequencing.
Dr. Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe further emphasized the WHO's strategic focus on Nipah virus prevention and control in the South-East Asia Region. He explained the virus's priority status for the WHO, the influence of the 2019 expert consultation on the Regional Strategy for Nipah virus prevention and control, and the key components of this strategy, along with the regional challenges in implementing it.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with the experts and gain a deeper understanding of the Nipah virus's complexities. This initiative by WHO SEARO highlights the organization's commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration to combat emerging health threats.
