Death After Weeks of Critical Care
A nurse who tested positive for the Nipah virus in West Bengal died after a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at a Barasat hospital, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. According to officials, doctors placed her under intensive medical care for several weeks due to her critical condition. Despite continuous efforts, her health worsened in the final hours. Eventually, medical teams failed to revive her.
Recovery Followed by Severe Complications
Initially, health officials reported the nurse as one of two confirmed Nipah cases on January 11, 2026. Later, she showed signs of recovery, and doctors removed ventilator support at the end of January. At that time, medical reports confirmed that she had recovered from the virus. However, multiple complications continued to affect her health and weakened her immune system.
Post-Viral Illness Led to Cardiac Failure
Meanwhile, officials told PTI that the nurse suffered from a prolonged coma, which reduced her immunity. As a result, she developed a serious lung infection that strained her vital organs. Although doctors managed the viral infection, post-viral complications caused her condition to deteriorate. Ultimately, these complications triggered cardiac arrest, leading to her death.
Contacts Test Negative, Situation Under Control
In the meantime, health authorities confirmed that the second patient, a male nurse, has fully recovered and returned home. Furthermore, the National Centre for Disease Control identified and monitored 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases. So far, all have tested negative and shown no symptoms. Therefore, officials said the situation remains under control. Meanwhile, the Centre and West Bengal government continue enhanced surveillance and laboratory testing. Finally, authorities urged the public to avoid misinformation and follow health advisories.
