Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl commended the West Bengal government for its efficient handling of the recent Nipah virus case. Dr. Bahl highlighted the state’s successful collaboration with the Centre to contain the virus, emphasizing the importance of timely surveillance and preventive measures.
During his visit to the ICMR-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics in Kolkata’s Kalyani area, Dr. Bahl lauded the state’s proactive approach in monitoring and containment efforts related to the Nipah virus. He reassured the public that there is no need for panic, as past experiences have shown that the infection can be effectively controlled with appropriate measures.
Dr. Bahl mentioned that previous Nipah virus cases in West Bengal and Kerala had been limited in number, attributing this to the coordinated efforts of the state governments and health authorities. He also highlighted the presence of the virus in bats across various states, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilant surveillance to prevent its spread.
State health officials in West Bengal conducted contact tracing and testing after two nurses were infected with the Nipah virus, resulting in one fatality. Fortunately, subsequent tests on contacts yielded negative results, and no new cases have been reported in the state. The Nipah virus, known for its high fatality rate, underscores the importance of early detection and swift containment measures.
