Nipah Virus Alert in Odisha After Suspected Cases in West Bengal
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has stepped up vigilance after two nurses in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district showed symptoms of Nipah virus infection.
Their samples have been sent to AIIMS for confirmation, prompting swift action from both state and central authorities.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda assured West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of full support, announcing the formation of a National Joint Outbreak Response Team.
The team will oversee testing, surveillance, treatment, and infection control measures.
West Bengal has already initiated strict contact tracing and preventive steps to contain the threat.
Meanwhile, Odisha has heightened monitoring at borders and hospitals, prepared isolation wards, and launched awareness campaigns to prevent panic.
Health experts warn that the Nipah virus spreads through animals, contaminated food, or human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle pain, and respiratory distress. Severe cases may lead to coma.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, wash hands regularly, and avoid contact with pigs and bats.
Odisha’s proactive measures reflect lessons learned from the rapid spread of COVID-19, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in preventing outbreaks.
