Two cases of Nipah virus have been detected in the state, officials said on Monday. The cases were identified in West Bengal’s Barasat at Barasat Hospital.
A team from the state government visited the hospital on Monday morning to assess the situation.
Given the serious nature of the Nipah virus infection, a zoonotic disease with high mortality and potential for rapid spread, the situation is being handled with utmost priority, officials said.
Soon after receiving the information, the Union health secretary held discussions with the chief secretary and principal secretary (health) of the West Bengal government to review the situation and ensure swift, coordinated action.
A national joint outbreak response team has been deployed to support the state
government in containment and public health response measures.
Officials said the team includes experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune; the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai; AIIMS Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Centre has shared guidelines on the Nipah virus under the communicable disease alert with the state Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) unit. In addition, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, has been activated to coordinate the national response.
Official sources said Union Health Minister J P Nadda has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, assuring full support from the Centre.
Nadda also spoke to Banerjee over the telephone and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to extend all necessary assistance to the state in managing the situation.
The Government of India is providing comprehensive technical, logistical and operational support to the State Government. All essential resources, including laboratory support, enhanced surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control measures, and expert guidance, have already been mobilised.
The State has been advised to ensure close coordination with the deployed expert teams and to undertake meticulous contact tracing and other containment measures.
Helplines have been opened for the public at 033-2333-0180 and 98747-08858.
(With inputs from agencies)
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