In the Kolkata Zoo, specialists from the National Institute of Medical Research have begun selective testing of bats for the Nipah virus. This was reported by NDTV.
Recently, in mid-January, the authorities of West Bengal reported two cases of infection among medical workers at the Barasat hospital. These patients are in intensive care, connected to a ventilator.
As the TV channel clarifies, the study is being conducted by a group of medical professionals who collected blood samples and swabs from bats in the Alipore Zoo, located in the southern part of Kolkata. The aim of these tests is to determine whether these animals can be carriers of the dangerous virus.
Additionally, it is planned that the team of experts will visit various regions of the state where bats reside for further sample collection.
The World Health Organization classifies the Nipah virus as one of the most dangerous in the world, as there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available. The virus causes fever and encephalopathy, affecting brain cells, with a mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%. It is important to note that the virus is not transmitted through the air and requires direct contact with the biological fluids of infected individuals.
The main carriers of the virus are flying foxes and bats. Humans can become infected by consuming fruits that have been contaminated with the saliva of infected animals. There is also a risk of transmission of the virus to domestic animals.
Previously, outbreaks of Nipah were recorded in India in 2001 and 2007 in West Bengal, as well as in 2018 and 2019 in Kerala.
