According to state government officials, the two patients had recently visited Purba Bardhaman for personal reasons. In response, authorities have launched contact-tracing efforts spanning the districts of North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, and Nadia
The Central government has formed a national joint outbreak response team after two cases of Nipah virus were detected in West Bengal. The two individuals are healthcare workers from Barasat city in the North 24 Parganas district and are currently receiving treatment.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty said, “Patients are under treatment and observation. Contact-tracing and treatment plans have already been made.” The two individuals are getting treated at the hospital where they are employed.
Officials have assuaged fears, saying that there is no cause for concern yet and that citizens should remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation and follow hygiene precautions.
According to state government officials, the two patients had recently visited Purba Bardhaman for personal reasons. In response, authorities have launched contact-tracing efforts spanning the districts of North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, and Nadia. Officials further clarified that neither individual had traveled outside of West Bengal lately and confirmed that health teams are maintaining close communication with their families.
The Union Health Ministry has deployed a team to support the state government in containing the spread of the virus, and as a public health response measure. The team includes experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune; National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai; AIIMS-Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
A senior Health Ministry official told The Hindu, “Given the serious nature of Nipah virus infection, which is a zoonotic disease with high mortality and potential for rapid spread, the situation is being handled with utmost priority.”
Central authorities confirmed they are delivering extensive support to the region, ranging from technical and logistical aid to operational resources. This package includes specialised laboratory services, heightened surveillance, and clinical case management, alongside strict infection control protocols and expert advisory. Meanwhile, state officials have been instructed to work in tandem with the newly deployed teams and to prioritise rigorous contact tracing and containment strategies to manage the situation effectively.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take stock of the situation.
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