West Bengal is once again on alert after the Nipah virus resurfaced, leaving two young nurses critically ill and triggering a massive public health response. The outbreak has raised concerns across the state, especially as healthcare workers are among those most affected.
The two nurses, both in their early twenties, were working at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, when they began showing severe symptoms. Tests later confirmed Nipah infection, and both are now on ventilator support in intensive care. Their condition remains serious, according to hospital officials.
Following these confirmations by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, health authorities launched large-scale contact tracing. Nearly 100 people who came in close contact with the nurses — including family members, fellow hospital staff, ambulance drivers and support workers — have been identified. Many have been placed in quarantine, while others are under constant medical observation. Blood samples from several contacts have been sent for testing to rule out further spread.
In the days that followed, three more infections were detected. These include a doctor from the same Barasat hospital and two healthcare workers from Katwa Subdivisional Hospital in Purba Bardhaman district. They have been shifted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Beleghata, Kolkata, for specialised treatment and isolation.
Health officials are also examining possible sources of the infection. One suspected link is a wedding function in Nadia district, attended by one of the nurses in December. Investigators are checking whether she consumed raw date palm sap, which is known to be a possible transmission route from fruit bats — the natural carriers of the Nipah virus. Several people who attended the event have been advised home isolation, though none have shown symptoms so far.
The state health department has urged people not to panic, stressing that all safety protocols are in place. Hospitals have been put on high alert, isolation wards are ready, and surveillance has been intensified across districts.
Nipah is a rare but deadly virus that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, between people. West Bengal has seen outbreaks in the past, and health authorities say early detection and strict monitoring will be key to preventing further infections.
Also Read: Humanoid robot masters speech lip sync
