Two Nurses in Kolkata Hospitalized with Suspected Nipah Virus
Two young nurses working at a hospital in Barasat, Kolkata, have been hospitalized with symptoms of the Nipah virus. Health officials confirmed this development on Tuesday evening.
The affected individuals include one female nurse and one male nurse. Both are currently receiving treatment in the isolation ward of their hospital. Medical sources indicate their condition remains precarious, with the female nurse reported to be in critical condition.
Test Results and Confirmation Process
Initial samples from the two nurses tested positive for Nipah virus at AIIMS Kalyani. The West Bengal health department has now sent these samples to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for final confirmation.
State Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty addressed the media about the situation. "Last night around 10:30 PM, we received information about two suspected Nipah cases involving nurses from a Barasat hospital," Chakravorty stated. "Our infectious disease specialist team and senior doctors immediately visited the hospital."
Emergency Response Activated
The state government has activated its infectious disease control machinery in response to the potential outbreak. Several measures have been implemented:
- An expert committee has been formed to monitor the situation
- Three helpline numbers have been established for public inquiries
- A standard operating procedure has been prepared
- Isolation facilities at IDBGH have been kept ready
- Contact tracing of the affected nurses has been completed
Principal Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam explained the testing protocol. "Our VRDL labs at medical colleges can test samples, but NIV Pune will provide final confirmation for all cases," Nigam said.
Patient Background and Travel History
The two nurses come from different parts of West Bengal. The female nurse hails from Katwa, while her male colleague is from Midnapore. Both were living in rented accommodations near their workplace in Barasat.
Health officials revealed limited travel history for the affected individuals. "So far, we have found no significant travel history to other states," Chakravorty noted. "Both nurses visited Burdwan recently for personal work."
Preventive Measures and Public Assurance
The health department has implemented comprehensive preventive measures. Close contacts of the affected nurses have been identified through line listing. Each contact will undergo testing if symptoms appear and will be placed in isolation to restrict movement.
"We have surveillance, testing, and treatment protocols ready as countermeasures," Chakravorty assured. "There is no need for panic, but everyone should remain alert."
The Chief Minister is personally monitoring developments. The state government emphasizes that all necessary steps are being taken to contain any potential spread of the virus.
