HSV Outbreak Reported in Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home, West Bengal

Overcrowding Linked to Herpes Virus Outbreak in Jalpaiguri Prison

A viral outbreak at Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home in Jalpaiguri has raised significant public health concerns after 92 inmates tested positive for the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) between August 2025 and March 2026 . Official records indicate that seven prisoners died from complications associated with the infection. The incident highlights the vulnerability of closed institutional settings such as prisons to the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

Fatalities Reported During the Outbreak

According to official data, four inmates died at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital , while three others died at Jalpaiguri District Hospital during treatment. The latest fatality involved a 48-year-old inmate who passed away on 6 March 2026 after being admitted to hospital earlier that week.

Authorities reported that while many affected prisoners recovered after treatment, nearly half of the infected inmates required medical isolation or hospitalisation due to the severity of their symptoms.

Overcrowding as a Key Risk Factor

Health officials identified severe overcrowding in the prison as a major contributor to the outbreak. The correctional facility currently houses more than 1,200 inmates , although its authorised capacity is approximately 700 prisoners .

The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of Jalpaiguri warned prison authorities that crowded barracks, shared utilities and limited hygiene facilities increase the likelihood of viral transmission. In such environments, viruses like HSV can spread rapidly through close contact and contaminated surfaces.

Recommended Measures to Control the Spread

To contain the outbreak, health authorities advised several immediate interventions. These include isolating infected inmates, improving sanitation practices and ensuring better hand hygiene among prisoners and staff.

Officials also recommended increasing ventilation inside prison barracks and implementing daily health surveillance for inmates. Additional measures include antiviral treatment for symptomatic individuals, routine monitoring of cases and regular reporting of the health situation within the facility.

Exam-Focused Points

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can cause oral or genital infections and occasionally severe complications.

• HSV infection may lead to Encephalitis , a potentially life-threatening condition.

• Overcrowded prisons are considered high-risk environments for infectious disease transmission .

• The Prison Statistics of India provides official data on prison occupancy and conditions.

• According to recent data, several prisons in West Bengal operate at occupancy levels exceeding 150% .