Odisha steps up vigil amid Nipah virus cases in West Bengal

Nipah virus infection cases have been reported in the neighbouring state of West Bengal, triggering concern in Odisha. 

In response to the development, a high-level meeting of the Health Department was reportedly held at the Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The meeting was attended by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, along with the Health Secretary and several senior officials. Addressing the situation, Health Minister Mahaling urged people of the state not to panic.

The Health Minister stated that a technical team has been constituted and surveillance has been intensified. Special surveillance measures have been strengthened in districts bordering West Bengal and in major cities of Odisha.

Also Read: Odisha on alert after suspected Nipah virus cases reported in West Bengal

The Health Minister further stated that no Nipah virus case has been detected in Odisha so far. However, he assured that the State government is fully prepared to deal with the situation if any such case is reported.

"Precautionary measures have been put in place in Odisha following the detection of Nipah virus infection in West Bengal. A technical committee meeting of the Health Department was held this morning to review the situation. Based on the outcome of the meeting, surveillance has been intensified in the bordering districts as well as across the state. Discussions were also held on the necessary steps to be taken in the event of any Nipah virus case being detected in Odisha. So far, only two cases have been reported in West Bengal. I request people not to panic," said Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.