Tripura’s Health Department confirmed on January 16, 2026, that no Nipah virus infection has been found in the state. Authorities said they are taking strong steps to stop any possible spread of the disease. "Nipah virus causes serious zoonotic disease, but human infections are uncommon, and timely awareness and preventive behaviour is crucial to prevent its spread," said Saju Waheed A, Mission Director of National Health Mission in Tripura. Dr. Tapan Majumder, Head of Microbiology at Agartala Government Medical College, stated that most Nipah cases in India have appeared in Kerala since 2018, with a July 2025 outbreak in Palakkad and Malappuram districts. Two cases were also reported from West Bengal, but Tripura remains unaffected. Dr. Majumder explained that Nipah spreads through raw date palm sap, fruits contaminated by bats, close contact with infected people, or poor hospital infection control. Symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, vomiting, weakness, and breathing trouble. Serious cases can lead to brain inflammation with confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness. "There is no specific treatment for Nipah virus. Management is limited to intensive supportive care. Therefore, prevention is the most important step," he said. Officials urge people to avoid raw date palm sap or toddy, eat only washed and peeled fruits, keep hand hygiene, avoid sick people, and follow government advice. Health services have boosted disease surveillance, hospital preparedness, isolation wards, infection control, and training for health workers to spot and manage cases early. Dr. Majumder added, "People should not panic. People should rely only on verified information and cooperate with health advisories."