Nipah virus outbreak reported in West Bengal, India

Officials say a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal led to nearly 100 people being quarantined, and two hospital nurses tested positive with one in critical condition.

Local officials in West Bengal, India, reported an outbreak of Nipah virus after cases were identified in a hospital. Two nurses developed high fevers and respiratory symptoms in early January and later tested positive. One nurse is in critical condition and is reported to be in a coma. Nearly 100 people have been placed under quarantine while testing and investigations continue. Reported details: - Two nurses in the same region tested positive; one is in critical condition and reported to be in a coma. - Nearly 100 people in West Bengal are under quarantine after the virus was discovered in a hospital. - The World Health Organization describes Nipah as a zoonotic virus and reports a high fatality rate; global confirmed cases have been reported at about 750 with more than 400 deaths. Summary: The local impact includes hospital staff infections and quarantine measures while testing and monitoring continue. Authorities report investigations are ongoing. Undetermined at this time.