West Bengal: Centre provides update on suspected Nipah virus cases, high alert issued
The central government has stated that two suspected cases of Nipah virus were reported at AIIMS Kalyani in West Bengal on Sunday.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said, "On January 11, two suspected cases of Nipah virus were detected at the ICMR's Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at AIIMS Kalyani. Nipah virus is a serious disease that spreads very rapidly, therefore necessary measures have been initiated for its prevention."
"Upon receiving this information last night, the Health Secretary of the Government of India discussed the situation with the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of West Bengal."
JP Nadda added, "A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been immediately constituted to contain the outbreak."
A male and female nurse showing symptoms
A male and a female nurse working at a private hospital in the 24 Parganas district are showing symptoms of infection. Both have been placed in isolation on ventilators. The West Bengal government's health department provided this information on Monday.
Condition of both nurses is critical
The state health ministry stated that the condition of both nurses is critical. Samples from both were sent for testing to the ICMR's Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at AIIMS Kalyani, where preliminary tests suggest Nipah virus infection. One nurse is from Nadia district, while the other is from Burdwan district.
High alert issued
Following the suspected Nipah cases, a high alert has been issued across the state. Several central government teams are active. The Union Health Ministry has become vigilant after the suspected Nipah cases surfaced. A joint team comprising the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene in Kolkata, the National Institute of Virology in Pune, the National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, AIIMS Kalyani, and the Wildlife Department of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been formed to monitor the situation.
No cause for panic: Health Secretary
Principal Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam said there is no cause for panic, stressing that the state is closely monitoring the situation. “All necessary measures have been taken, and contact tracing is underway to ensure the outbreak is contained,” he said.
Chief Secretary of West Bnegal Nandini Chakarborty said the SOP has been prepared and advised people to avoid consuming fruits or food items that may have been contaminated by bats, which are known carriers of the virus.