Nipah virus suspected cases in West Bengal have put health authorities on high alert after infections were reported among nurses, raising concerns over a potential public health risk. The cases are currently under investigation, with state and central health agencies stepping in to implement isolation protocols, contact tracing, and preventive measures. Given the virus’s high fatality rate and past outbreaks in India, officials have urged caution while advising the public not to panic as laboratory confirmation and further assessments continue.
What Is Nipah Virus Infection?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans and, in some cases, through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. Health experts consider the virus particularly dangerous due to its ability to cause severe illness and its history of localized outbreaks.
In West Bengal, two suspected cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported from Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, prompting heightened vigilance among health authorities. The affected individuals—a man and a woman—are both nurses employed at the same private hospital in Barasat and are currently undergoing treatment at a private medical facility after developing severe symptoms.
Confirming the development, a senior official from the state health department told PTI that samples from both patients have been sent to AIIMS Kalyani for laboratory testing. “Both nurses work in the same hospital and are suspected to have contracted the Nipah virus. Preliminary test results point towards a possible Nipah infection,” the official said, adding that further confirmation is awaited.
Nipah Virus: Centre Deploys Joint Outbreak Response Team
As concerns grow over the Nipah virus situation, the Centre has deployed a national joint outbreak response team to assist the West Bengal government in containment efforts and public health management. The team brings together specialists from leading institutions, including the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene in Kolkata, the National Institute of Virology, the National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, AIIMS Kalyani, and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The coordinated response aims to strengthen surveillance, testing, contact tracing, and preventive measures to curb any potential spread of the Nipah virus. Meanwhile, J. P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, spoke with Mamata Banerjee and assured her of full support from the Union government in managing the situation and ensuring public safety.
What Are the Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection?
The symptoms of Nipah virus infection can begin like a common illness but may become serious very quickly. In the early stages, people may experience:
Early Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough or sore throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
As the infection worsens, it can affect the brain and lungs, leading to severe and life-threatening complications.
Severe Symptoms
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
- Disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Severe breathing problems
Anyone showing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
What Causes Nipah Virus Infection?
Nipah virus was first detected when people came into contact with infected pigs. Later, researchers discovered that fruit bats are the natural carriers of the virus and can pass it on to other animals, including pigs.
People can become infected in several ways:
- By touching or handling animals infected with the virus
- Through contact with bodily fluids such as urine, faeces, blood, or saliva of infected animals
- Through close contact with a person who already has the virus, as it can spread through their bodily fluids
The virus can also spread through contaminated food, especially:
- Fruits contaminated by bats
- Raw date palm sap exposed to bat secretions
How to Prevent Nipah Virus Infection?
Although there is no specific cure or vaccine for Nipah virus, the risk of infection can be reduced by following simple precautions:
General Safety Tips
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid contact with sick pigs or bats
- Stay away from trees or areas where bats usually rest
- Do not consume raw date palm sap; boil it before use
- Wash and peel fruits before eating
- Throw away fruits that show bite marks or have fallen on the ground
While Caring for an Infected Person
- Avoid contact with saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids
- Use protective equipment such as gloves and masks
In Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
Healthcare workers should strictly follow infection control measures, including:
- Wearing protective gowns
- Using medical gloves
- Wearing masks and eye protection
- Following standard hygiene and safety protocols
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Last Updated on: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 5:01 pm by Koushik Velpuri | Published by: Koushik Velpuri on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 5:01 pm | News Categories: Lifestyle
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