Two More Healthcare Workers With Nipah Symptoms Admitted to Hospital in Bengal
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Kolkata: Two more healthcare workers were admitted to the Beliaghata Infectious Diseases (ID) Hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday after they developed symptoms suggestive of Nipah virus infection, a West Bengal health department official said.
Both were involved in treating a nurse who had earlier tested positive for the Nipah virus at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. One of the two was shifted to the city hospital late on January 13, while the other, a house staff member, was transferred from the Bardhaman facility early on Wednesday.
Health officials said samples from both healthcare workers have been collected and sent for laboratory testing to confirm the infection.
Earlier Cases Remain Critical
Meanwhile, the condition of two nurses who had earlier tested positive for Nipah virus infection and are undergoing treatment at Barasat Hospital remains extremely critical. Both patients are reportedly in a coma and are being treated in the Intensive Critical Care Unit (ICCU).
Officials also confirmed that a resident medical officer (RMO) at Barasat Hospital, who had come in contact with the infected nurses, showed symptoms consistent with Nipah infection. The RMO has been placed under isolation as a precautionary measure.
Test Results and Monitoring
Despite showing symptoms, test results for the RMO conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at AIIMS Kalyani, including nasal swab, blood, urine, and throat swab samples, returned negative.
Health authorities said monitoring and contact tracing are ongoing, given the highly infectious nature of the Nipah virus.
Our Thoughts
The admission of additional healthcare workers with Nipah-like symptoms highlights the high risk faced by frontline medical staff during outbreaks. Strict infection control, early isolation, and rapid testing remain critical to containing the spread and protecting healthcare systems from further strain.