Condition of Nipah-infected nurses improves, one taken off ventilator

The physical condition of two nurses infected with the Nipah virus in West Bengal showed significant improvement, offering cautious optimism to doctors and health officials. The nurse from Purba Medinipur has been taken off ventilator support, while her brother, who was also admitted, has regained consciousness and is able to communicate.

Meanwhile, the condition of the nurse from Katwa in Purba Bardhaman remains critical, though doctors said her health has improved compared to earlier. She continues to be on ventilator support but has shown signs of response, including slight movement of her limbs and attempts to open her eyes. Doctors have not yet declared either patient out of danger.

Health officials said the improvement was made possible due to the timely administration of the antiviral drug ribavirin along with supportive treatment. Following the treatment protocol successfully used in Kerala, early medication was administered, contributing to the relatively faster recovery observed in both cases.

The Central National Joint Outbreak Response Team has clarified that the two nurses did not infect each other. Instead, investigations suggest they were exposed to a common source while working at a private hospital in Barasat, where both had reportedly treated a woman suffering from an unidentified fever who later died. The patient is suspected to have been infected with the Nipah virus.

According to the Health Department, around 150 samples have been tested so far, with no new infections detected. The National Institute of Biomedical Research in Beleghata has been designated as the nodal centre for Nipah testing. Officials said there is no cause for panic and no special restrictions have been imposed on the public at present.