Odisha on High Alert After Nipah Reports in West Bengal; No Case Found in State

Bhubaneswar: In response to reports of Nipah virus infections in neighbouring West Bengal, the Odisha government has activated heightened surveillance and preparedness measures across the state, even as health authorities confirmed that no suspected case has been detected in Odisha so far.

A high-level review meeting was convened on Friday under the chairmanship of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling to take stock of the situation and evaluate preventive and response mechanisms. Senior officials, including Health Department Commissioner and Secretary Aswathy S., Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Health Services Dr. Pradeep Kumar Guru, and Director of Medical Education and Training Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra, participated in the deliberations.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Health Minister said the state was maintaining a state of full preparedness in view of developments in West Bengal. He clarified that there is no cause for alarm at present, as no Nipah-related symptoms or suspected cases have been reported from any part of Odisha. The Minister urged people to remain calm while following health advisories issued by the department.

As part of precautionary measures, all districts bordering neighbouring states have been instructed to stay on alert and strengthen disease surveillance. Hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of essential medicines, personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies, while health staff have been advised to report any suspected case immediately for timely intervention.

The review meeting also focused on operational readiness, including protocols for surveillance, sample collection and laboratory testing, isolation facilities and treatment preparedness. Officials said the emphasis is on early detection, rapid response and coordinated action to effectively manage any potential situation, while continuing public awareness efforts on symptoms and preventive practices related to Nipah virus.