Which Communicable Diseases in India should I be Worried About?

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The outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, has sparked serious concern in parts of Asia. The Nipah virus is a rare but lethal zoonotic virus that you should be worried about. Apart from that, in India, tuberculosis, dengue, COVID-19, influenza, and hepatitis are dangerous communicable diseases you should be aware of.


Let's identify the communicable diseases spreading in India and how health insurance plans support you in managing your health and finances.


What are the Communicable Diseases in India I Should Be Worried About?


1. Nipah Virus


This spreads to humans from animals. The Nipah virus has a high death rate, from 40% to 70%.


Symptoms: Fever, cough, respiratory distress or difficulty in breathing and headache


Prevention: No specific treatment, but it requires specific organ support therapies


2. Tuberculosis (TB)


According to India Spend, India recorded around 2.7 million tuberculosis cases in 2025. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and affects the lungs. This disease spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.


Symptoms: Persistent cough, fever and weight loss


Prevention: BCG vaccine, hygiene and early diagnosis


3. COVID-19


COVID-19 or Coronavirus is a highly infectious communicable disease. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is the main cause of this global pandemic. It caused millions of deaths globally.


Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, dry cough, and breathlessness


Prevention: Proper protection with masks, social distancing, and the vaccine


4. Typhoid Fever


Typhoid fever is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated water or food. India reported around 49 lakh typhoid cases, resulting in 7,850 deaths in 2023.


Symptoms: High fever, diarrhoea, weakness, and stomach pain


Prevention: Safe water, vaccines, and handwashing


5. Influenza (Flu)


Influenza, or the flu virus, is common during the monsoon. It spreads through direct contact and droplets of the infected person. This flu virus affects your nose, throat, and respiratory system.


Symptoms: Cough, body aches, sore throat and fever


Prevention: Flu vaccine, hand hygiene, and masks


6. Hepatitis (A-E)


Hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis virus, excessive drinking, or toxic substances. Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food and water. In 2025, Kerala reported 31,536 Hepatitis A cases and 82 deaths.


Symptoms: Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and appetite loss


Prevention: safe food/water, Vaccines (A, B), safe sex


Does Health Insurance Cover Communicable Diseases?


Yes, health insurance typically covers treatment costs for communicable diseases, including pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, ambulance charges, day-care procedures, nursing fees, and more.



  1. If you are dealing with a prolonged illness, a comprehensive health insurance plan can be a lifesaver, minimising out-of-pocket expenses and providing financial protection.



  1. For hospitalisation due to any communicable disease, go to nearby network hospitals. One advantage is cashless treatment at network hospitals. Your insurer settles the bills directly, so you can focus on getting better.


Before buying a plan, check coverage for communicable diseases, premiums, network hospitals, inclusions, exclusions and waiting periods.


Final Words


If bacteria are the culprit, take antibiotics targeting the specific bacteria to treat the infection. For viral infections, over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms while your body fights the virus.