Two nurses in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district showed symptoms of Nipah virus infection, raising concerns in Odisha due to frequent inter-state travel. Their samples went to AIIMS for confirmation.
The Central Government formed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team and assured full support to West Bengal. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda spoke directly with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, promising technical and logistical assistance.
Officials deployed resources for testing, surveillance, treatment, and infection control. The state government began strict contact tracing and preventive measures to contain the Nipah virus threat.
Health experts explained that the Nipah virus spreads through animals, contaminated food, or direct human-to-human transmission. Infected saliva, urine, faeces, and blood increase the risk. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle pain, and respiratory distress. Severe cases may lead to coma.
Authorities urged people to wash their hands regularly and avoid contact with pigs and bats. Odisha, though free of Nipah virus cases so far, remains anxious. The memory of Covid’s rapid spread through travellers from other states continues to fuel public concern.
Odisha health officials intensified monitoring at borders and hospitals. They prepared isolation wards and strengthened awareness campaigns to prevent panic. The state government emphasised vigilance and community cooperation to safeguard against possible Nipah virus transmission.
