Suspected Nipah Cases in West Bengal, Patients in Critical Condition
Two critical patients in West Bengal suspected of Nipah virus infection.
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Two patients suspected of being infected by the Nipah virus in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal are in critical condition. They are undergoing treatment at a private healthcare facility in Barasat city. Sources indicate one patient tested positive for Nipah, with the other's report awaited.
Samples were tested at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Kalyani and sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for reconfirmation. One patient is reportedly in a coma, while the other is on ventilator support. Both private and public hospitals in West Bengal are preparing for any adverse rise in cases.
An expert committee has been formed, helpline numbers launched, and a standard operating procedure (SOP) developed for all hospitals. Contact tracing has begun across North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, and Nadia.
Key Facts
Two suspected Nipah cases in West Bengal
Patients in critical condition
Samples sent to NIV, Pune for reconfirmation
Contact tracing underway
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Health, Social Justice
Link to disease outbreaks, public health infrastructure
Potential for statement-based questions on Nipah virus characteristics and prevention
Visual Insights
Nipah Virus Suspected Cases in West Bengal (January 2026)
Map showing the districts in West Bengal where contact tracing is underway following suspected Nipah virus cases.
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More Information
Background
The Nipah virus (NiV) was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, primarily affecting pig farmers. The name 'Nipah' originates from the village in Malaysia where the first human case was documented. The initial outbreaks were characterized by severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.
The virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural reservoir of the virus. Subsequent outbreaks have been more frequent in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh, with a shift in transmission patterns, often involving human-to-human transmission.
These outbreaks have highlighted the need for robust surveillance and public health infrastructure to manage and contain the spread of the virus.
Latest Developments
In recent years, research efforts have focused on developing vaccines and antiviral treatments for NiV. While no fully approved vaccine is currently available for human use, several vaccine candidates are in preclinical and clinical trials. Monoclonal antibody therapies have shown promise in treating NiV infections, particularly when administered early in the course of the disease.
Globally, organizations like the WHO are working to strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capabilities in regions at high risk of NiV outbreaks. Furthermore, there is increasing emphasis on One Health approaches, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases like Nipah. The development of rapid diagnostic tests and improved infection control practices in healthcare settings are also key priorities.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Nipah Virus (NiV): 1. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural reservoir of NiV. 2. NiV was first identified in India. 3. Human-to-human transmission is not a characteristic feature of NiV outbreaks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. NiV was first identified in Malaysia (not India). Human-to-human transmission is a known feature of NiV outbreaks, especially in South Asia.
2. In the context of emerging infectious diseases, what is the significance of the 'One Health' approach? A) It focuses solely on human health aspects of disease outbreaks. B) It emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. C) It prioritizes economic development over public health concerns. D) It advocates for complete isolation of infected individuals to prevent disease spread.
- A.It focuses solely on human health aspects of disease outbreaks.
- B.It emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
- C.It prioritizes economic development over public health concerns.
- D.It advocates for complete isolation of infected individuals to prevent disease spread.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The 'One Health' approach recognizes that human health is linked to the health of animals and the environment. It promotes collaborative efforts across disciplines to address health threats.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the natural reservoir of the Nipah virus? A) Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the primary natural reservoir. B) Pigs were the initially identified reservoir during the 1999 outbreak in Malaysia. C) Humans can act as a reservoir for the virus, facilitating human-to-human transmission. D) The virus can persist in bat populations without causing significant mortality.
- A.Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the primary natural reservoir.
- B.Pigs were the initially identified reservoir during the 1999 outbreak in Malaysia.
- C.Humans can act as a reservoir for the virus, facilitating human-to-human transmission.
- D.The virus can persist in bat populations without causing significant mortality.
Show Answer
Answer: C
While humans can transmit the virus to other humans, they are not considered the natural reservoir. Fruit bats are the natural reservoir, and pigs were intermediate hosts in the initial outbreak.
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