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Centre Deploys Team as West Bengal Reports 2 Suspected Nipah Virus Cases

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus disease have been identified in West Bengal, prompting immediate central government action. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team with experts from multiple institutes has been deployed to support the state. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has written to and spoken with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, assuring full support from the Centre. The national disease control centre has been activated to coordinate the response, focusing on surveillance, contact tracing, and containment.

Key Points: Suspected Nipah Virus Cases in West Bengal, Centre's Response

  • 2 suspected Nipah cases in West Bengal
  • National expert team deployed for containment
  • Health Minister Nadda assures CM Banerjee
  • National disease control centre activated
  • Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing advised
2 min read

West Bengal: 2 suspected Nipah virus cases, Centre deploys response team

Central government deploys expert team to West Bengal after two suspected Nipah virus cases. Health Minister Nadda assures full support to CM Mamata Banerjee.

"The Government of India is providing comprehensive technical, logistical and operational support to the State Government. - Official Sources"

New Delhi, January 12

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus disease have been identified at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, ICMR, AIIMS Kalyani, West Bengal.

Taking immediate action, the central government has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to support the State Government in containment and public health response measures, according to official sources.

The team comprises experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune; the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai; AIIMS Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, held discussions with the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Health), Government of West Bengal, to review the situation and ensure swift and coordinated action.

Central Government guidelines on Nipah Virus Disease under the Communicable Disease Alert have been shared with the State Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) unit. In addition, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, has been activated to coordinate the national response.

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has written to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, assuring full support from the Government of India. Nadda also spoke to the Chief Minister over the telephone and reiterated the Centre's commitment to extend all necessary assistance to the State in managing the situation, according to sources.

"The Government of India is providing comprehensive technical, logistical and operational support to the State Government. All essential resources, including laboratory support, enhanced surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control measures, and expert guidance, have already been mobilised. The State has been advised to ensure close coordination with the deployed expert teams and to undertake meticulous contact tracing and other containment measures," the sources said

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Government of West Bengal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The inclusion of the Department of Wildlife is crucial. Last time, the fruit bats were the source. We need to understand the animal-human transmission chain better to prevent future outbreaks. Good step.
A
Aman W
While the expert team deployment is reassuring, I hope this doesn't become a political blame game between the Centre and State. Public health should be above politics. Let's see if the coordination on ground is as smooth as the press release.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Kolkata, this is worrying. Are there specific areas we should avoid? Need more localized, real-time information. The state government should hold regular briefings.
V
Vikram M
Activating the PHEOC is the right move. Our disease surveillance has improved since COVID, but the real test is at the district and village level. Hope the guidelines reach the frontline health workers without delay.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions 'suspected' cases. Let's not panic until confirmation from NIV Pune. But absolutely no room for complacency. Quick isolation and testing of contacts is key. Stay safe, Bengal.

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