Health authorities have identified two suspected cases of Nipah virus disease at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), ICMR, AIIMS Kalyani, West Bengal. Given the zoonotic nature of the virus, its high mortality rate, and potential for rapid transmission, officials are treating the situation with the highest level of urgency, government sources told India Today TV.
Centre Initiates Immediate High-Level Coordination
Immediately after receiving the information, the Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, held discussions with the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Health), Government of West Bengal. These discussions focused on reviewing the evolving situation and ensuring swift, coordinated, and effective response measures.
National Joint Outbreak Response Team Deployed
To strengthen containment and public health response, the Central Government has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to support the State Government. The team brings together 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 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Guidelines Issued and National Control Centre Activated
In parallel, the Centre has shared its guidelines on Nipah Virus Disease under the Communicable Disease Alert with the State Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) unit. Furthermore, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi has been activated to coordinate and monitor the national response.
Union Health Minister Assures Full Central Support
As reported by India Today, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, assuring complete support from the Government of India. Additionally, he spoke with the Chief Minister over the telephone and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to provide all necessary assistance to manage the situation effectively.
Comprehensive Support and Resources Mobilised
Meanwhile, the Government of India is extending comprehensive technical, logistical, and operational support to the State Government. Authorities have already mobilised essential resources, including advanced laboratory support, enhanced surveillance, case management protocols, infection prevention and control measures, and expert guidance.
Focus on Contact Tracing and Containment
Finally, health authorities have advised the State Government to maintain close coordination with the deployed expert teams. They have also emphasised meticulous contact tracing, surveillance, and containment measures to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.