Nipah Virus Scare in West Bengal: Two Nurses Critical, Symptoms & Spread Explained

• Two suspected Nipah virus cases detected in West Bengal, involving a male and female nurse from a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas.
• Both nurses are in 'very critical condition' with preliminary tests suggesting Nipah infection; further confirmation is pending.
• Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease, spreading from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or human-to-human contact.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, progressing to dizziness, confusion, and severe encephalitis; fatality rates range from 40-75%.
• Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for Nipah virus; treatment focuses on supportive care and infection control.

Why It Matters: West Bengal faces a Nipah virus scare with two critical cases, highlighting the need for awareness and control.