Tamil Nadu has heightened disease surveillance and hospital readiness after two Nipah virus cases were confirmed in West Bengal’s Nadia district. The state’s Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has directed health authorities at all levels to intensify monitoring for Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) statewide. Patients with fever and altered sensorium, especially those with recent travel to West Bengal or contact with affected individuals, are to be closely monitored for possible Nipah virus infection.
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced that comprehensive guidelines and precautions have been shared with all districts. District Health Officers are activating enhanced surveillance, while primary healthcare officials and hospital heads are on alert to swiftly respond to suspected cases. Director of Public Health A. Somasundaram emphasized the need for preparedness at the grassroots level and called for increased awareness campaigns for healthcare workers and the public on preventive measures.
Ensuring early detection, improving clinical management, and strictly following infection prevention practices in all health facilities are crucial, according to officials. Hospitals, both government and private, are mandated to report all AES cases promptly to District Surveillance Units. Timely reporting is essential to prevent potential spread, as Nipah virus can spread through close contact with infected individuals, fruit bats, or pigs.
Exposure risks include handling contaminated fruits, climbing fruit trees, or consuming raw date palm products. Human-to-human transmission is possible, especially in caregiving situations without proper protective gear. Symptoms of Nipah virus infection include fever, headache, altered mental status, respiratory issues, and more. The infection can lead to severe illness, with fatality rates varying between 40 and 75 percent. Hospitals are instructed to isolate suspected cases, enforce strict infection control, and prevent transmission within healthcare settings.
