Noise Reduction in Infodemic Management: Lessons from the January 2026 Nipah Virus Event in India

The rapid spread of misinformation during infectious disease events, termed an infodemic, poses significant challenges to public health response. In January 2026, two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease in West Bengal, India, triggered disproportionate regional and international reactions, including travel screening measures and widespread public anxiety. Despite the absence of secondary transmission (196 contacts tested negative), misinformation across social media and news platforms amplified perceived risk. This short communication analyses the discrepancy between epidemiological reality and information amplification and proposes a structured “noise reduction” framework for epidemic intelligence. Key gaps identified include 14-days delays in official communication, limited engagement with high-velocity social media platforms, and insufficient contextualization of risk. Strengthening infodemic management through rapid communication, multi-platform communication, and real-time information surveillance is essential for effective outbreak control in the digital era.