Monrovia — The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India’s West Bengal State.
In a public health alert issued Thursday, NPHIL disclosed that two confirmed cases of the deadly virus have been reported in West Bengal since December 2025, with about 196 contacts currently line-listed for monitoring by Indian health authorities.
Nipah virus is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, as well as through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. Symptoms in humans include sudden flu-like illness characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Severe cases may progress to respiratory distress, pneumonia, and other life-threatening complications. The virus also affects animals, particularly pigs, causing serious economic losses.
In response to the outbreak, NPHIL has activated Liberia’s Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) in Alert Mode, with heightened focus on port health surveillance and epidemiological monitoring at major entry points—especially the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
As part of preventive measures, NPHIL announced intensified health screening for travelers arriving from India and urged strict compliance with public health protocols. Airlines have been instructed to fully implement health declaration processes and to promptly report any ill passengers before arrival in Liberia. The Institute also emphasized full adherence to the Public Health Emergency Plan and Standard Operating Procedures governing operations at RIA.
NPHIL called on travelers, airline operators, and relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully as the country works to prevent the importation of the virus and safeguard public health.
“The Institute remains grateful for the continued collaboration in protecting the health of all travelers and the general population, in line with the International Health Regulations (2005),” the alert stated.
The statement was signed by Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Interim Director-General of NPHIL, who reassured the public that Liberia’s health authorities remain vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging global health threats.
