HEALTH

Possible Nipah Virus Infection: West Bengal Resident Hospitalized in Kolkata

Nipah Virus Infection: Stay informed about a potential Nipah virus case as a West Bengal resident with symptoms after visiting Kerala is hospitalized in Kolkata. Learn about the precautions and monitoring efforts amid concerns of virus transmission.

OpEd Desk September 20, 2023

Nipah Virus Infection: A West Bengal citizen from the Bardhaman district has been hospitalized to the Beliaghata Infectious Diseases (ID) Hospital in Kolkata with possible Nipah virus infection signs. The patient was admitted to the hospital after developing a high fever, nausea, and throat infection after visiting Kerala, where there have been numerous reports of Nipah virus infections.

This 20-year-old man was a migrant worker in Kerala who initially went to an Ernakulam hospital for treatment after complaining of having a fever. He was then released, but shortly after arriving home in West Bengal, he became unwell once more.

The matter is being taken very seriously by Kolkata’s health authorities in light of recent outbreaks of the Nipah virus in Kerala. Doctors are actively monitoring the patient’s condition to ensure prompt diagnosis and the provision of appropriate medical care. The patient has not yet undergone testing to confirm the infection.

Given the patient’s recent travel history and symptoms, a senior health official from the Health Department highlighted the importance of exercising caution. Although the situation is being carefully monitored by healthcare authorities, concerns about the possible spread of the virus are raised by the patient’s transit from Kerala to West Bengal.

The community treats any suspected instances of the highly contagious and fatal zoonotic virus Nipah with the utmost care and dedication. In order to validate the diagnosis and protect the public’s health, additional testing and investigations will be conducted.

Given the recent Nipah outbreak in Kerala, health officials have reportedly told PTI that they are not taking any chances. As a part of the Nipah prevention efforts, a fast reaction team has also been developed.

In Kerala, where two people died from the deadly illness earlier this month, schools and offices were closed. This was the fourth such epidemic since 2018. The virus has a 70% fatality rate from infection, and there are currently no vaccines to prevent or treat it.

Fever, breathing issues, headaches, and vomiting are among of the early symptoms. Severe instances might result in encephalitis and comatose states. In 2018, outbreaks in southern states resulted in 21 fatalities, and subsequently in 2019 and 2021.