Two nurses in West Bengal critically ill with suspected Nipah virus trigger national response.

A nationwide reaction has been sparked by two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, involving two critically ill nurses in Barasat. A national joint outbreak team comprising experts from major health institutions was deployed after preliminary tests at AIIMS Kalyani indicated infection. The Union Health Ministry has shared guidelines, activated its emergency operations center, and promised complete support, including expert assistance, lab testing, and surveillance. Concerned about the high death rate and zoonotic nature of the virus, the state has been instructed to work closely with central authorities on contact tracing and containment measures.