Kenya's Ministry of Health has warned citizens against non-essential travel to parts of India following confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. The risk of the disease spreading to Kenya remains low, but authorities urge strict personal hygiene for travelers. The World Health Organization has verified the outbreak of this rare but serious illness.
Kenya's Ministry of Health issued a formal advisory on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas in India after two Nipah virus cases were confirmed in West Bengal. Director-General of Health Patrick Amoth stated that the risk of the disease reaching Kenya is low, with no cases reported anywhere in Africa.
"Two confirmed cases have been reported in the current outbreak in the West Bengal region in India. The risk of spread of the disease to Kenya is low, the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation," Amoth said.
"Kenyans are advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas in India until further notice. Those who must travel should observe strict personal hygiene," he added.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen that spreads to humans primarily through infected animals, especially fruit bats or flying foxes found in coastal areas and islands across the Indian Ocean, India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It can also transmit via food contaminated with the saliva, urine, or excreta of infected animals, or directly from person to person through close contact.
Symptoms resemble those of the flu, including fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, typically appearing up to 14 days after infection. The World Health Organization notes there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available.
The ministry is monitoring developments in India, conducting risk assessments, and keeping the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in watch mode to bolster preparedness. Citizens are encouraged to seek immediate medical help if symptoms arise, avoid close contact with seriously ill individuals, and practice regular handwashing. Additionally, they should wash fruits, steer clear of those showing bite marks, avoid raw or unprocessed fruit products, and handle sick or dead animals with care.
