Nipah virus cases reported in India, health alert issued

Indian authorities have issued a health alert after cases of the deadly Nipah virus were reported in the eastern state of West Bengal. The development has raised concerns due to the virus’s high fatality rate and history of severe outbreaks.

According to Indian media reports, two nurses working in the Purba Bardhaman district were infected with the virus while on duty. A senior health official confirmed that one of the nurses is showing signs of recovery, while the condition of the other remains critical.

Health authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and the exact mode of transmission. So far, officials have not confirmed whether the cases are linked to animal exposure or human-to-human spread.

The West Bengal government has issued detailed guidelines focusing on early detection, strict isolation of suspected patients, and treatment under established medical protocols to prevent further spread of the virus.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans. It was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998 and 1999. Fruit bats are considered the natural carriers of the virus, and humans can become infected through contact with infected bats, contaminated food, infected animals, or close contact with infected individuals.

Medical experts warn that Nipah virus infections have a high mortality rate, which has ranged from 40 to 75 per cent in past outbreaks. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting, which can rapidly progress to severe respiratory problems and inflammation of the brain.

Currently, there is no approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for the Nipah virus. Treatment mainly involves supportive medical care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, while health departments continue monitoring the situation closely.