Nipah Virus Detected in West Bengal After 19 Years
West Bengal is on high alert after five Nipah virus cases were reported in a week, prompting quarantine measures and strict safety precautions to prevent further spread.
West Bengal is witnessing a Nipah virus outbreak, with five cases reported within just one week. Health officials have gone on high alert after the virus was detected nearly 19 years after the state last reported Nipah cases.
The first two patients, a male nurse and a female nurse working at a private hospital in Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, are currently in the ICU. After this, three more cases were reported from Beleghata. These include a doctor, a nurse, and a health staff member, all of whom have been admitted to a hospital.
Following the confirmation of the cases, government authorities have placed around 100 people under home quarantine. Officials are closely tracking everyone who came in close contact with the infected patients to prevent further spread of the virus.
Health experts say Nipah virus is highly contagious and spreads through bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, and stool. It can also spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making healthcare workers and caregivers especially vulnerable.
Because the Nipah virus can be deadly, early detection and strict isolation are very important. Authorities are screening contacts for symptoms and isolating suspected cases as per safety guidelines.
Doctors have advised people to take preventive measures to stay safe. These include washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with bats and sick pigs, washing and peeling fruits before eating, and avoiding food or drinks that may be contaminated, such as raw palm sap.
People caring for Nipah patients are advised to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and full-body gowns. Health authorities have urged the public not to panic but to remain cautious and follow safety instructions strictly.
