Health scare in Bengal: Two Barasat nurses in hospital with Nipah virus symptoms; Centre sends team

KOLKATA: Two young nurses – one female and one male – attached to a hospital in Barasat are hospitalised with symptoms of Nipah virus. Sources said samples of the duo tested at AIIMS Kalyani revealed positive results, and the state health department sent the samples to NIV Pune for reconfirmation.

Sources said the condition of the two is precarious, and that of the female nurse is critical. Both are being treated in the hospital's isolation ward.



The state stepped up its infectious diseases control machinery, including roping in an expert committee, opening up helpline numbers, preparing an SOP, and keeping a unit in IDBGH (Infectious Diseases and Beleghata General Hospital) ready in case the need arises.

"Last night around 10.30 pm we were informed about two Nipah cases pertaining to two nurses working in a hospital in Barasat. We got our infectious specialist team and senior doctors to the hospital immediately. There is no need to panic, but to be on alert. The chief minister herself is closely monitoring the development," said state chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty during a press briefing.

Chakravorty said that so far there is no significant travel history of the two nurses in other states, except that both visited Burdwan recently on personal work.

Sources said the female nurse is from Katwa and her colleague is from Midnapore. Both were living in rented places in Barasat close to their workplace.

"We have the contact tracing of the duo. Surveillance, testing and treatment protocol is ready as a counter measure for prevention," said Chakravorty.

Sources said line listing of the close contacts is done, and each of these close contacts will undergo a test in case of any symptoms and treatment, while they will be put in isolation to restrict their movement.

"The VRDL labs attached to our medical colleges have the facility for testing samples. But NIV Pune will confirm all the cases," said principal health secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam.

The state govt also opened up three helpline numbers for people to seek help in case of any symptoms or doubts.