25-Year-Old Nurse Dies from Nipah Virus in West Bengal

A 25-year-old nurse in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal tragically passed away after battling a severe Nipah virus infection, marking the state’s first recent fatality due to the virus. She had been receiving treatment at a private hospital for several weeks. Hospital officials stated that although she had recently tested negative for Nipah, her condition continued to deteriorate, forcing her to remain in the critical care unit (CCU). She was placed on ventilator support on Wednesday as her health worsened. Earlier in January, another staff member, a male nurse who had also contracted the virus, recovered and was discharged. Nipah virus is highly contagious and often fatal, requiring careful monitoring and treatment. Healthcare workers, like the affected nurses, are particularly at risk due to close patient contact. Authorities and hospitals in West Bengal are reportedly enhancing preventive measures to contain any further spread, emphasizing early detection, isolation, and strict hygiene protocols. This incident underscores the continuing challenges of managing emerging viral infections and protecting frontline healthcare staff.