West Bengal Investigates Suspected Nipah Virus Cases; Tamil Nadu Enhances Surveillance

Health authorities in West Bengal are investigating two suspected Nipah virus cases, the first in the state in 19 years, with one patient critical and the other improving. The virus, transmitted from fruit bats or through human contact, causes severe symptoms including encephalitis. In response, Tamil Nadu has directed health officials to enhance surveillance for Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, especially among those with travel history to West Bengal, and issued guidelines to prevent further spread.