A viral outbreak at **Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal has triggered serious public health concerns after 92 inmates were infected with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) between August 2025 and March 2026. Official records confirm that seven inmates died due to complications linked to the infection, highlighting the risks of disease transmission in overcrowded prison environments.
According to reports, four inmates died while undergoing treatment at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, while three others died at Jalpaiguri District Hospital. The latest fatality occurred on March 6 when 48-year-old inmate Deben Mondal passed away after being admitted for treatment a few days earlier.
Health authorities have identified severe overcrowding as a key factor behind the outbreak. The correctional facility currently houses over 1,200 inmates despite a sanctioned capacity of about 700, creating conditions where close contact, shared facilities and poor hygiene can accelerate viral transmission.
Medical officials have recommended urgent containment measures, including isolation of infected inmates, improved sanitation, better ventilation in barracks, and regular health monitoring. They also advised antiviral treatment for symptomatic cases and daily reporting of new infections to prevent further spread.
Public health experts warn that overcrowded prisons can become hotspots for infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and prison management. The situation reflects broader concerns highlighted in the Prison Statistics of India report published by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which points to high occupancy rates in prisons across several states.
