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ICMR Chief Praises Bengal's Swift Action on Nipah Virus Outbreak

The Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, has commended the West Bengal government's effective and coordinated response to a recent Nipah virus case. He stated that timely surveillance and preventive measures can contain the infection, noting its limited historical spread in the state and Kerala. Evidence of the virus has been found in bats in several Indian states, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring. Health officials confirmed contact tracing was completed with no new cases reported, though the virus remains dangerous due to its high fatality rate.

Key Points: ICMR Chief Lauds Bengal's Nipah Virus Response

  • ICMR chief praises state response
  • Nipah cases limited historically
  • Virus found in bats across states
  • Contact tracing completed, no new cases
  • High fatality rate makes early detection vital
2 min read

ICMR chief commends Bengal's response to Nipah virus case

ICMR DG Dr. Rajiv Bahl commends West Bengal's coordinated efforts with the Centre to contain the Nipah virus, urging no public panic.

ICMR chief commends Bengal's response to Nipah virus case
"There was no reason for panic, as timely surveillance and preventive measures can effectively contain the infection. - Dr. Rajiv Bahl"

Kolkata, Feb 14

Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl on Saturday praised the West Bengal government's response to the recent Nipah virus case, stating that the state has worked effectively in coordination with the Centre to prevent its spread.

Dr Bahl made the remarks during his visit to the ICMR-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (ICMR-NIBMG) in Kolkata's Kalyani area, where he attended an event to unveil the bust of Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Dilip Mahalanabis, known for his pioneering work in oral rehydration therapy.

Speaking on the Nipah virus situation, Dr Bahl said there was no reason for panic, as timely surveillance and preventive measures can effectively contain the infection.

He noted that Nipah virus infections had been reported earlier in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, as well as in Kerala, but the number of cases remained limited.

He added that proactive steps taken by the West Bengal government in monitoring and containment efforts were commendable.

Dr Bahl also said evidence of Nipah virus has been found in bats in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Kerala, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance.

Recently, two nurses in West Bengal were infected with the Nipah virus, one of whom died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Barasat in North 24 Parganas district.

State health department officials said contact tracing was carried out to identify individuals who had come in contact with the infected nurses. Samples collected from those identified were tested, and the results were found to be negative.

Officials said no new Nipah virus cases have been reported in the state so far.

Nipah virus is a dangerous infection that has appeared in parts of India from time to time, including West Bengal and Kerala.

The virus spreads mainly through fruit bats and close human contact.

Patients usually develop fever, weakness and, in severe cases, brain complications.

The Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, which makes early detection important. Health teams focus on isolating patients and tracing contacts quickly.

Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely to prevent any fresh spread or public health risk.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
While the praise is good, we must not become complacent. Finding the virus in bats across so many states is alarming. Need permanent surveillance and public awareness, not just action after cases appear.
R
Rohit P
The real heroes are the nurses and frontline health staff. One nurse lost her life. The government must ensure full support and compensation for her family and the other infected medical worker. Salute to their service.
S
Sarah B
Timely contact tracing and transparency are key. Good to see the samples tested came back negative. Hope this swift response becomes the standard protocol for all states, not just Bengal or Kerala.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions Dr. Mahalanabis too. We should remember his contribution to ORS saved millions from cholera. Investing in biomedical research and honoring our scientists is how we build long-term health security. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
People in villages need to be educated about not consuming fruits bitten by bats. Public health messaging in local languages is very important to prevent future outbreaks.

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