Nipah Survivor Nurse Dies of Cardiac Arrest

A 25-year-old nurse who had recently recovered from a Nipah virus infection died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Barasat, located in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. Health officials confirmed that she had been in a prolonged coma before her death.

Originally from Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, the nurse began showing symptoms in early January after returning home for the New Year. She was first admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital but was later transferred to a private facility as her condition deteriorated.

Her illness emerged shortly after a male colleague reported similar symptoms. Tests conducted on January 11 confirmed Nipah infection in both healthcare workers. The two required ventilator support after slipping into a coma. While the male nurse recovered and was discharged last week, her condition remained critical.

State health authorities said one of the two Nipah-positive patients identified on January 11 succumbed to cardiac arrest despite intensive medical care. Officials also clarified that there are currently no active Nipah cases in West Bengal.

Global health authorities have evaluated the situation and consider the likelihood of wider transmission to be low. Recent cases reported in India and Bangladesh had raised concerns about a possible outbreak, but risk assessments indicate limited chances of regional or international spread.

The incident nevertheless underscores the need for continued surveillance and rapid response systems to contain rare but potentially deadly viral infections.