Jharkhand on high alert after Nipah deaths in Bengal: Health Minister

Dhanbad, Jan 13: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari on Tuesday said the state government is on high alert to prevent any possible outbreak of the Nipah virus, following the death of two people in neighbouring West Bengal.

Dr Ansari said the health department has been directed to remain vigilant at all levels, and civil surgeons of all 24 districts have been instructed to stay prepared to handle any situation.

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State on Full Alert Mode

“The Jharkhand government has gone into full alert mode. Civil surgeons have been asked to remain on high alert to combat the situation,” the health minister said.

He added that necessary instructions have also been issued to Additional Health Secretary Ajay Kumar to ensure preparedness across the state.

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Symptoms of Nipah Virus

Dr Ansari, who is a senior physician, said common symptoms of the Nipah virus include:

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• Fever and headache
• Cough and sore throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Severe headache
• Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
• Acute effects on the brain and coma in serious cases

How Nipah Virus Spreads

Calling it a highly dangerous zoonotic disease, Dr Ansari said the Nipah virus spreads from animals to humans.
“It is primarily transmitted through fruit-eating bats. Infection can also spread through contact with infected animals, especially pigs, consumption of infected meat, or direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person,” he said.

Surveillance and Public Awareness Ordered

The health minister has instructed senior health officials to ensure strict surveillance, rapid reporting systems, and public awareness campaigns in all districts.

“People must be fully informed about the symptoms, preventive measures, and precautions to prevent any outbreak in Jharkhand,” he directed all civil surgeons.

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