Bengal Reports First Nipah Virus Death, No New Cases Detected
West Bengal has reported its first death linked to the Nipah virus, raising concerns about public health in the region. A nurse at a hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, succumbed to the virus after developing a secondary lung infection. Another nurse has also contracted the virus and is receiving treatment at the same facility.
Bengal Reports First Nipah Virus Death
The state Health Department confirmed that these two nurses represent the only known cases of Nipah virus infections in West Bengal. Following the outbreak, contact tracing was initiated to identify individuals who interacted with the affected nurses. All those tested have returned negative results for the virus.
Current Situation and Response
- One nurse has died from the Nipah virus.
- Another nurse remains hospitalized with the virus.
- No new cases have been identified in the state.
The Nipah virus is primarily transmitted by bats, which are the main carriers. Consumption of fruits contaminated by bat bites poses a risk of transmission. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that other animals, such as pugs, may also carry the virus.
Understanding Nipah Virus Risks
The average mortality rate associated with the Nipah virus exceeds 50%. Early detection significantly enhances recovery chances. Symptoms may initially resemble those of a common fever, including:
- Increased body temperature
- Convulsions
- Sore throat
- Severe breathing difficulties
If untreated, the illness can escalate to a coma. Currently, treatment does not follow a specific protocol, and research for a vaccine is actively underway.
