Two Nipah Virus Cases Detected in West Bengal, Government Initiates Response
The West Bengal government confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection on Monday. Both individuals work as medical staff at a private hospital located in Barasat, within North 24 Parganas district. They are currently receiving treatment at the same facility.
Details of the Infected Individuals
Both patients are in their early twenties, one male and one female. They recently traveled to Purba Bardhaman for personal reasons but have no history of travel outside West Bengal. State Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty provided these details during a media briefing.
The Health Department has immediately begun contact tracing efforts. Authorities are investigating how the two contracted the virus and identifying all individuals who had contact with them.
Government Actions and High-Level Meetings
State health officials convened a high-level meeting with infectious disease specialists. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is personally monitoring the situation. A state government team visited the Barasat hospital to assess conditions.
The Union Health Ministry announced that a National Joint Outbreak Response team will be dispatched to West Bengal. This team aims to assist the state in containing the virus spread.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda spoke with Chief Minister Banerjee, assuring full support from the central government.
Public Health Measures and Advisory
West Bengal has activated helpline numbers 033-2333-0180 and 98747-08858 to address public concerns. Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam urged people not to panic.
"The state government has taken all precautionary measures to prevent Nipah virus spread," Nigam stated. "We have adequate testing capacity, identified nodal hospitals, and implemented emergency protocols. Family members of both patients are under close medical surveillance."
Chief Secretary Chakraborty mentioned that a standard operating procedure has been prepared. She advised people to avoid consuming fruits or food items potentially contaminated by bats, known carriers of the Nipah virus.
About Nipah Virus and Previous Outbreaks
Nipah is a viral infection primarily affecting animals like bats, pigs, dogs, and horses. It can transmit to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated food items, such as fruit or date palm sap.
The infection typically causes fever and brain swelling, with high fatality rates. Outbreaks in India are relatively rare. Kerala reported the most recent cases before this incident. West Bengal experienced a Nipah outbreak in Siliguri back in 2001.
India maintains an experimental monoclonal antibody developed by Australia. Administered early in disease progression, it can help prevent severe illness.
National Response Team Composition
The national response team includes experts from:
- All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata
- National Institute of Virology, Pune
- National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai
- AIIMS Kalyani
- Department of Wildlife, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
For all outbreaks, the Centre now forms multi-disciplinary teams following a 'one-health' approach, incorporating plant and animal experts. Additionally, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at the National Centre for Disease Control in Delhi has been activated to coordinate the national response.
