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Union Health Minister JP Nadda spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and underlined the importance of close Centre–State coordination.
Two suspected cases of Nipah virus detected in West Bengal | Image: File
The Centre on Tuesday assured full support to the West Bengal government after two suspected cases of the Nipah virus were detected in the state, with helpline numbers being activated and a national response team deployed to prevent any possible spread.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the Centre is extending comprehensive technical, logistical and operational assistance following the identification of the cases at the ICMR–Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at AIIMS Kalyani.
The suspected infections were detected in patients admitted to Barasat Hospital in North 24 Parganas district, officials said.
Taking stock of the situation, Nadda spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and underlined the importance of close Centre–State coordination. He also wrote to the chief minister, assuring all necessary support to effectively manage the situation.
Soon after the cases came to light, the Union Health Secretary held discussions with the state’s Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Health) to review preparedness and ensure swift, coordinated action.
A team from the state government visited Barasat Hospital on Monday morning to assess ground-level arrangements.
Given the high-risk nature of the Nipah virus, a zoonotic infection known for its high mortality rate and potential for rapid transmission, authorities said the matter is being handled with the highest priority.
A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been deployed to support West Bengal in containment and public health measures.
The team includes experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; National Institute of Virology, Pune; National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai; AIIMS Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Centre has also shared Nipah virus management guidelines with the state’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) unit under a communicable disease alert.
In addition, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi has been activated to coordinate the national response.
Officials said resources including laboratory testing facilities, enhanced surveillance, case management protocols, infection prevention and control measures, and expert guidance have already been mobilised.
The state government has been advised to work closely with the deployed expert teams, carry out detailed contact tracing and strictly implement containment measures.
To assist the public, helpline numbers, 033-2333-0180 and 98747-08858, have been made operational, authorities said.
January 13, 2026, 11:19 IST
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