A nurse in West Bengal, who had been infected with the Nipah virus, died from cardiac arrest, as reported by the state health department on Thursday. This incident marks the first occurrence of a Nipah virus-related death in the state within the last decade. Since December 2025, West Bengal has officially recorded two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus Disease, according to findings from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In light of these confirmed cases, both the Government of India and the West Bengal government have undertaken comprehensive public health interventions in alignment with established health protocols. Authorities have successfully traced and monitored 196 contacts associated with the confirmed cases. Fortunately, all individuals who were traced have remained asymptomatic and tested negative for the Nipah Virus Disease. The situation continues to be monitored rigorously, and necessary public health measures are firmly in place to contain any potential spread of the virus.
In response to the spread of misinformation and unverified data concerning Nipah Virus Disease circulating in some media outlets, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidance urging both the public and media to seek out verified information only from credible official sources.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell in Kerala, issued a warning regarding the transmission of the Nipah virus, emphasizing that it is primarily spread from bats to humans. He highlighted the severe health risks associated with the virus, which is known for its high mortality rate, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis to prevent further infections. In a video message, he noted, “Initial symptoms typically include fever, body ache, and headache. In cases where brain infection develops, patients may experience seizures, confusion, paralysis, or even coma. These symptoms can resemble those caused by other viral infections of the brain, which sometimes leads to missed diagnoses, as Nipah is not routinely tested for. The virus can also transmit from one infected patient to another. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the initial patient who contracts the infection.”
The state health authorities continue to emphasize the need for vigilance in monitoring and managing the health landscape concerning the Nipah virus and urge the public to remain informed through reliable channels during this public health challenge.
