Ranchi Sadar Hospital has set up a dedicated Nipah virus isolation ward as a precautionary measure following confirmed cases in neighbouring West Bengal. The facility has initially prepared six reserved beds for patients showing symptoms consistent with Nipah virus infection, with plans to expand to additional beds if required.
The move comes after two healthcare workers in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district tested positive for the Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen known for high fatality rates and severe respiratory and neurological symptoms. Health authorities in West Bengal have intensified containment measures and testing, while neighbouring states including Jharkhand have issued alerts and strengthened surveillance systems.
Hospital management has also instructed medical staff to reinforce infection prevention and control protocols, and to remain alert for potential cases as part of statewide preparedness efforts. In addition to the isolation ward at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in the state’s capital region has a larger 22-bed isolation facility equipped to handle a surge in suspected Nipah cases.
Health officials are coordinating monitoring and rapid response mechanisms in the state, aiming to ensure early detection and treatment while minimising the risk of community transmission.
The virus is typically transmitted from animals such as fruit bats to humans and can also spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated food.
