KOLKATA: In a strong endorsement of West Bengal’s public health strategy, ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahal commended the state government’s swift action against a recent Nipah virus outbreak on Saturday. Speaking during a visit to the ICMR-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics in Kalyani, he highlighted how coordinated efforts with the central government effectively curbed the virus’s spread.
Dr. Bahal unveiled a statue of Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis at the institute, using the occasion to reassure the public. ‘There’s no need for panic,’ he stated firmly. ‘Timely surveillance and preventive measures have proven capable of controlling Nipah infections effectively.’
Recalling past incidents, he noted limited cases in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, as well as outbreaks in Kerala. The state’s proactive monitoring and containment steps drew particular praise from the ICMR chief.
Recent alarms sounded when two nurses in North 24 Parganas tested positive, with one succumbing to the illness at a Barasat hospital. Health officials swiftly launched contact tracing, testing samples from those exposed—all negative so far. No new cases have emerged, signaling success in containment.
Dr. Bahl emphasized Nipah’s zoonotic nature, primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans through close contact. Evidence of the virus in bats across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala underscores the need for ongoing vigilance.
This episode serves as a testament to India’s evolving pandemic preparedness. West Bengal’s response not only protected lives but also sets a benchmark for other states facing similar threats. As Dr. Bahal concluded, sustained surveillance remains the cornerstone of prevention in this battle against emerging viruses.