West Bengal reports two Nipah infections in hospital staff; surveillance and quarantines intensified

Two infections confirmed; one nurse critically ill

Indian health authorities have confirmed two Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, involving nurses working at a private hospital near Kolkata. One of the nurses is reported to be in critical condition and in a coma, intensifying concern because Nipah is known for high fatality rates and because there is no widely available cure or vaccine.

Officials have indicated that early investigation points to exposure while treating a patient with severe respiratory symptoms who later died before being tested for Nipah. That patient is being treated as a suspected index case as contact tracing and verification of the chain of transmission continue.

Testing and quarantine measures ramped up

As part of the response, authorities have expanded surveillance and testing. The report says that, as of 20 January, 180 people had been tested and 20 high-risk contacts were quarantined, with tests returning negative so far. Quarantined contacts are expected to undergo repeat testing at the end of an isolation period, reflecting standard containment practice for suspected exposure.

National and state agencies have been mobilised, including the National Centre for Disease Control. The emphasis is on quickly identifying close contacts, isolating symptomatic individuals and monitoring healthcare settings where exposure risk is highest.

Animal surveillance and public precautions

Because Nipah is zoonotic and fruit bats are considered key reservoirs, officials have also extended surveillance into animal sources. The report notes that testing of bats, including at Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo, has been undertaken to rule out possible infection pathways and to strengthen situational understanding.

Public health advisories in such situations typically stress practical precautions: avoiding contact with bats, washing fruit thoroughly and using protective measures when handling animals. Authorities have also sought to reassure the public while maintaining vigilance, framing the response as precautionary but urgent given Nipah’s potential severity.