Two nurses from Barasat, West Bengal, who tested positive for the Nipah virus are in critical condition and comatose, as per hospital sources. The female nurse’s Nipah infection was confirmed by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, while the male nurse, currently on ventilator support, is expected to test positive. Around 65 contacts of the infected nurses have been isolated for monitoring.
Those who came in contact with the nurses, including their cohabitants and medical personnel, are being screened and provided preventive care. Standard protocols for surveillance and sample collection have been activated by the Centre, with a joint team of health experts from state and central departments visiting the hospital where the nurses are admitted. Samples have been sent for testing, and additional precautions are being taken.
A female nurse from Katwa is also in critical condition due to Nipah, with a hospital staff member showing similar symptoms. The outbreak response team, including experts from various institutes, has been deployed to assist in containment measures. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has pledged full support to West Bengal in handling the situation.
