Ministry of Health closely monitoring the situation of the Nipah virus

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is closely monitoring the situation of the Nipah virus currently in India. As of January 13, 2026, two (2) cases of Nipah virus (NiV) have been confirmed in Kolkata, West Bengal State India. The risk of the Nipah virus to the Caribbean region is designated at low at this time. Saint Lucia is ensuring the level of preparedness to manage possible importation and outbreaks in country which includes the following: surveillance at the ports and health institutions; collaboration and consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Department & communication and health education sessions with healthcare workers, tourism sector, education sector and the general public. The Ministry of Health is also focused on ensuring prevention and risk reduction by ensuring the enhancement of infection control measures at health institutions, early identification through testing capacity and isolation measures when necessary.