Just two cases of the deadly Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been confirmed in West Bengal since last December, as per the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Ministry highlighted that there have been speculative and incorrect figures circulating in the media regarding Nipah cases. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has identified 196 contacts associated with the confirmed cases, all of whom have been declared asymptomatic.
Following the confirmation of the two cases, the Centre, in collaboration with the West Bengal government, swiftly implemented comprehensive public health measures in line with established protocols. Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were conducted through coordinated efforts of Central and State health agencies to ensure the timely containment of the cases. The situation continues to be closely monitored with all necessary public health measures in place.
Nipah Virus Disease is a zoonotic infection that can spread from animals to humans and then from human to human. The virus is transmitted through saliva, urine, and other body fluids of an infected person. Fruit bats are carriers of the virus, which can lead to severe respiratory illness and brain inflammation. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Nipah Virus Disease.
The Ministry has advised the public and media to rely solely on verified information from official sources and to avoid spreading unverified or speculative reports. Meanwhile, airports in Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have reintroduced Covid-style health checks, including thermal screenings and health assessments for passengers arriving from affected areas.
