Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: Concerns over the Nipah virus have resurfaced in Odisha after two nurses in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district were found to be infected with symptoms consistent with the virus. This has raised alarms due to the frequent movement of people between the two states, prompting authorities to increase vigilance in the region.

Preliminary reports suggest that the symptoms in the two nurses align with a potential Nipah virus infection. Their samples have been sent to AIIMS for confirmation. In light of this, the Central Government has ramped up its response and formed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to address the situation.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has communicated with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, both in writing and over the phone, offering full support from the Centre. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it is providing technical, logistical, and administrative assistance to West Bengal, ensuring the state has the necessary resources for testing, surveillance, treatment, and infection control. The state government has been urged to implement strict contact tracing and take all preventive measures to contain the virus.

Health experts have advised the public to practice regular handwashing and to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, such as bats and pigs. Nipah virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food, or human-to-human transmission. It is particularly contagious through infected bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, feces, and blood. Common symptoms of infection include fever, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, muscle pain, vomiting, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, the virus can lead to a coma.

While no cases of Nipah virus have been reported in Odisha so far, the news from neighboring West Bengal has sparked heightened anxiety in the state. Memories of the rapid spread of COVID-19, particularly through inter-state and international travel, continue to fuel public concern.

Odisha authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially given the risk of cross-border transmission. Public health measures are being put in place, with the state on high alert as the situation develops.