Health Ministry Issues Clarification on Bengal Nipah Cases, Urges Public to Avoid Spreading Misinformation
The Health Ministry has issued a stern advisory to the public, urging them not to circulate unverified or speculative reports regarding the Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. This comes after certain sections of the media and social media platforms incorrectly reported five confirmed Nipah cases in the state, whereas only two cases have been identified so far.
Official Statement Counters Incorrect Figures
In an official statement, the ministry highlighted that speculative and incorrect figures about the Nipah cases were being spread in some media outlets. "It was observed that speculative and incorrect figures regarding the Nipah cases were circulated in certain sections of the media. In this context, it is clarified that, according to the reports received from the National Centre for Disease Control, only two confirmed cases of Nipah virus were reported from West Bengal," the statement read.
The two confirmed cases involve a male nurse and a female nurse, with their infections confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune on January 13. Notably, the male nurse has already tested negative for Nipah in two consecutive tests, indicating he is now free of the virus.
Experts Warn Against Unnecessary Confusion
Infectious diseases associate professor Yogiraj Ray, who is part of the state's expert team, emphasized the impact of misinformation. "The misinformation about the number of cases is causing unnecessary confusion and reaction. The number of confirmed positive cases is only two," he stated, underscoring the need for accurate reporting to prevent public panic.
Swift Public Health Measures Implemented
Following the confirmation of these two cases, the Government of India, in close coordination with the West Bengal state government, initiated prompt and comprehensive public health measures. These actions were taken in accordance with established protocols to contain the spread of the virus.
The health ministry's statement detailed that enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were undertaken, which ensured the timely containment of the cases. As a result, a total of 196 contacts tested negative, demonstrating the effectiveness of the response.
Alertness of Medical Teams Praised
A state health department official credited the alertness of the AIIMS Kalyani team for the swift containment measures. "All containment measures could be rolled out immediately due to the alertness of the AIIMS Kalyani team, who informed that these two cases could be Nipah infection. The infection did not spread beyond the two nurses," the official said, highlighting the crucial role of early detection.
Current Status of Patients
Meanwhile, plans are underway to shift the male nurse from the ICU isolation ward to a segregated room at Barasat hospital. He will be kept under observation for a few more days before being discharged, given his recovery. However, the condition of the female nurse remains critical, and she continues to receive medical attention.
This clarification from the Health Ministry aims to curb the spread of false information and ensure that the public relies on verified sources for updates on the Nipah virus situation in West Bengal.
