Nipah Virus: Two more nurses with symptoms admitted to Kolkata hospital

Kolkata: Two more nurses were admitted to the Beliaghata ID Hospital in Kolkata after they showed symptoms of the Nipah virus infection, a health department official said.

According to a news report, the two were engaged in the treatment of a health worker who tested positive for the Nipah virus at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.

One of the duo was brought to the city hospital on the late January 13 night, while the other, a house staff member, was shifted from the Bardhaman facility on early Wednesday, he added.

Also Read:Nipah Virus Alert: 2 Bengal nurses test positive, condition critical

"These two health workers have symptoms of being infected with the Nipah virus. Their samples have been collected and sent for examination," the health department official said, news agency PTI reported.

The two healthcare workers had treated that nurse, who tested positive for the contagion, when she was admitted to the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.

"Both developed symptoms and were subsequently taken to Beleghata ID Hospital," the official said.

Meanwhile, the two other nurses who had earlier tested positive for Nipah virus infection remain in extremely critical condition at Barasat Hospital.

"They are still in a coma and admitted to the ICCU," the official said.

Incidentally, a resident medical officer (RMO) at Barasat hospital, who had been in contact with the infected nurses, also showed symptoms of Nipah, he said.

"The RMO has been placed under isolation, though tests conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at Kalyani AIIMS, including nasal swab, blood, urine, and throat swab, came negative," he added, reports PTI.

Nipah virus is a notifiable disease, requiring immediate reporting to the central government.

Health authorities have informed the Centre, and experts are now analysing the reports to confirm the infection.

Also Read:2 suspected Nipah virus cases reported at AIIMS Kalyani