HSV Outbreak in Jalpaiguri Jail Leaves Seven Dead

A viral outbreak inside Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home in West Bengal has raised serious public health concerns after 92 inmates were infected with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) between August 2025 and March 2026. Official records indicate that seven inmates died due to complications linked to the infection. The cases highlight the health risks associated with overcrowded prison facilities and the challenges of controlling infectious diseases in closed institutional environments.

Seven inmates die during infection period

According to official documents, four inmates died at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital while three others died at the Jalpaiguri District Hospital during treatment. The most recent fatality occurred on March 6 when 48-year-old inmate Deben Mondal died after being admitted to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital on March 2. Authorities stated that while several infected inmates recovered, nearly half of the affected prisoners required segregation or treatment at government healthcare facilities.

Overcrowding identified as major risk factor

Health officials have identified severe overcrowding as a major factor contributing to the outbreak. Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home houses more than 1,200 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of about 700. In a letter to the prison administration, the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Jalpaiguri warned that close physical contact, shared utilities and poor personal hygiene significantly increased the risk of viral transmission in such conditions.

Measures recommended to contain outbreak

Health authorities recommended several measures to control the spread of the virus inside the correctional facility. These include isolating infected inmates, improving sanitation and hand hygiene, enhancing ventilation in prison barracks and reducing overcrowding. Officials also suggested declaring an internal outbreak alert, initiating antiviral treatment for symptomatic cases and conducting daily health monitoring along with regular situation reports.

Important Facts for Exams

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common virus that can cause oral or genital infections.
• HSV infection can sometimes lead to encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain.
• Prison overcrowding increases the risk of infectious disease transmission.
• The Prison Statistics of India report is published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Public health concerns over prison conditions

Public health experts have expressed concern over the outbreak occurring within a confined institutional setting. Epidemiologists warn that overcrowded prisons with limited hygiene facilities can become hotspots for infectious diseases. According to the Prison Statistics of India 2023 report, district prisons in West Bengal operate at an occupancy rate of around 158%, reflecting the broader challenge of managing health and sanitation in overcrowded correctional facilities.