Nipah Virus Outbreak in West Bengal: Three More Infected, Over 100 Quarantined

West Bengal has reported three more confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection, triggering fresh health alerts across multiple districts. With these new cases, the number of people infected in the current outbreak has increased, prompting authorities to intensify containment measures.

Health officials said the new cases include a doctor, a nurse, and a hospital staff member. All three were in contact with earlier infected healthcare workers.

This surge follows the earlier confirmation of two nurses who tested positive for the virus at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district. Both of those nurses remain critical and on ventilator support.

The National Institute of Virology (Pune) and AIIMS Kalyani confirmed the infections after extensive testing.

Following the detection of fresh cases, the state health department launched large-scale contact tracing operations. Health teams have already placed over 120 contacts under home quarantine. In some areas, authorities reported that around 82 people were quarantined after exposure to an infected nursing staff member.

Officials said contact tracing is ongoing in Purba Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas. Those traced include doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, family members, and other close contacts.

The West Bengal health department has activated containment protocols. Health authorities have set up isolation wards in key hospitals. Health teams are monitoring quarantined people daily for symptoms.

The Nipah virus is a highly fatal zoonotic infection that can spread from animals to humans and also through human-to-human contact. The virus has a high fatality rate and currently has no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment. It can spread through direct contact or contaminated food and requires strict prevention measures. Early detection, isolation, and supportive care remain the only effective control measures.

Officials advised citizens to rely only on verified information, maintain hygiene, and report symptoms immediately. The state government said it remains prepared to contain the outbreak and prevent community transmission.