Jharkhand on Alert: Nipah Virus Suspected Cases in West Bengal Trigger State-Wide Vigilance

Ranchi: The Jharkhand govt on Tuesday went on alert mode following the surfacing of two suspected cases of Nipah virus in West Bengal on Monday. State health minister Irfan Ansari, in the morning, said he has directed civil surgeons of all 24 districts to remain vigilant and ensure strict surveillance, preparedness and a prompt response.Ansari said, “Nipah virus is an extremely dangerous zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans. The virus is primarily transmitted through fruit-eating bats, which are considered its natural carriers. Instructions have been given for strict surveillance in all districts, especially in areas bordering Jharkhand and Bengal, and regions with high movement of people.” He also directed officials to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate people about symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures, so that early detection and timely treatment can be ensured.The minister added, “Transmission of the virus can occur through direct contact with infected animals, particularly pigs, consumption of contaminated meat, or close contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, or respiratory secretions of infected persons.”Health officials were asked to ensure immediate reporting of any suspected cases and to keep hospitals and health centres fully prepared, including the availability of isolation facilities and adherence to infection control protocols.The officials said they have been preparing a detailed advisory, which will be issued to guide the public on necessary precautions and preventive measures.Additional chief secretary of the health department, Ajoy Kumar, said, “To strengthen coordination, monitoring, and rapid response mechanisms at all levels, an advisory is being prepared and will be issued shortly, outlining precautionary measures for the public to follow.”According to experts, the major symptoms of Nipah virus infection include initial fever, severe headache, cough, sore throat, and difficulty in breathing. In advanced cases, the virus can cause acute brain inflammation (encephalitis), serious neurological complications, coma, and even death.“The fatality rate is extremely high, ranging between 40% and 75% depending on the severity of the outbreak, making it one of the most lethal viral infections,” Ansari said in a statement.