“Situation under control”: Bengal rolls out detailed Nipah protocols statewide

In response to the recent cases of Nipah virus infection, the West Bengal government has issued comprehensive health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. The guidelines, released by the state Health Department, outline specific procedures for identifying and managing high-risk contacts, quarantine protocols, and treatment methods.

According to the newly issued guidelines, individuals who have come into contact with bodily fluids or spent extended time in close proximity to an infected person will be categorized as "high risk." These individuals must undergo 21 days of home quarantine with daily health monitoring. If symptoms appear during this period, such as fever, headache, or breathing difficulty, they will be immediately admitted to a hospital isolation unit for RT-PCR testing.

Individuals who have only come into contact with objects such as clothing, bedding, or sheets of an infected patient will be considered "low risk." These people will be monitored for symptoms for 21 days, and if any develop, they will also be isolated and tested promptly.

The guidelines also highlight the use of antiviral drugs, such as ribavirin or favipiravir, for high-risk individuals and healthcare workers who may have been exposed without proper protective measures. For confirmed Nipah cases, the treatment protocol includes the use of remdesivir, along with ribavirin or favipiravir, and monoclonal antibodies for severe cases. Additionally, critical care specialists will be involved for managing serious complications.

The two nurses who were infected with the virus are both stable, with one nurse improving after being removed from ventilation. The other nurse, who is still in a coma, has shown signs of responsiveness, such as moving her limbs. A total of 171 people who had contact with the infected nurses have been tested, and most results have been negative.

Health authorities have clarified that all patients will undergo RT-PCR testing every five days, and only after receiving two consecutive negative tests will they be discharged. The situation is under control, but monitoring continues to ensure that the virus does not spread further.