West Bengal reports Nipah virus cases among nurses; surveillance and quarantines stepped up

Two healthcare workers infected near Kolkata

Health authorities in West Bengal have confirmed Nipah virus infections in two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, prompting a rapid public-health response that includes quarantine, expanded surveillance and wider testing of contacts. One of the infected nurses was reported to be in critical condition.

Investigators believe the most likely source of infection may be a patient who had been admitted earlier with severe respiratory symptoms and later died before testing, with officials treating that individual as the suspected index case while inquiries continue. The focus now is on establishing how exposure occurred inside the hospital setting and whether any secondary transmission chains exist.

Testing, quarantine and field surveillance

As part of containment, health teams have tested a large number of people connected to the hospital and placed high-risk contacts under quarantine, with follow-up testing planned after the isolation period. National and state agencies have been involved in monitoring and response efforts, reflecting the seriousness of Nipah, which can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.

Authorities have also initiated broader environmental and animal surveillance steps, including collection of samples from bats in and around Kolkata in order to rule out possible sources and understand local risk. Fruit bats are widely considered a likely reservoir for Nipah virus, and investigations often examine potential animal-to-human pathways alongside healthcare-associated transmission.

Public guidance and risk communication

Officials have stressed that containment protocols are being prioritised while urging the public to follow basic preventive guidance, including avoiding risky exposure to animals and maintaining hygiene practices such as washing fruits. The immediate public-health goal is to ensure early detection of any new cases, reduce opportunities for spread, and prevent panic by sharing verified updates as the investigation proceeds.

The coming days will be critical for determining whether the infections remain limited to a small cluster or whether additional cases emerge, particularly among close contacts and within healthcare settings where exposure risk can be higher.