India on Thursday reported its first death linked to the Nipah virus, after a nurse undergoing treatment in the critical care unit of a hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal succumbed to the infection.
Health department officials said the woman developed a severe secondary infection in her lungs, which worsen her condition and led to her death.
Another nurse, who is the only other confirmed Nipah patient in the state, is currently under treatment at the same hospital.
Authorities said only two cases of Nipah virus infection have been detected in West Bengal so far.
The health department clarified that no additional cases have been reported beyond these two nurses.
Extensive contact tracing was carried out to identify individuals who had come in contact with the infected patients.
Samples from all identified contacts were collected and tested, and officials said all results have returned negative, indicating no further spread of the virus.
Medical experts said bats are the primary carriers of the Nipah virus, with transmission possible through consumption of fruits contaminated by bat saliva or bites.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also warned that other animals may act as carriers.
Doctors noted that the Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, often exceeding 50 per cent, making early detection critical for improving survival chances.
Initial symptoms usually resemble common fever, including high temperature, sore throat and weakness, but can progress to convulsions, respiratory distress and, in severe cases, coma.
There is currently no specific treatment protocol for the virus, and care remains largely supportive. Research efforts are ongoing to develop a vaccine and targeted therapies for Nipah infection.
