Summary:
KOLKATA: With the re-emergence of Nipah virus in India, West Bengal has been put on high alert.During 2001, around 45 people lost their lives due to an outbreak of unknown fever with neurological symptoms observed. Adjacent districts of North Bengal were also affected.This deadly and contagious virus is spread to humans from animals and is carried by fruit bats and pigs. This virus is fatal to humans and mammals.The recent outbreak of Nipah has claimed 10 lives in Kerala and has caused a public health scare all across.Retired doctor of North Bengal Medical College NB Debnath said, 'This Nipah virus is already present in our state. National Institute of Virology, Pune, deteced the cause behind the fever as Nipah Virus.A second outbreak was reported in 2007 in West Bengal's Nadia district where 5 people died to the virus. Summer is the season of fruit, and this virus spreads from bat eaten fruits..