Cold date palm juice on a winter morning. As it goes down the throat, it soothes the body and mind. Like nectar. However, for now, West Midnapore district's Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Soumyashankar Shadangi has advised against drinking date palm juice. The reason is Nipah virus. However, there are no restrictions on date palm jaggery or patali.
On Monday itself, the Nipah virus was detected in two nurses at a hospital in the Barasat area. Panic has spread since then. For now, they have been kept in the ICU isolation ward. A doctor has also been admitted to the hospital with Nipah symptoms. For now, 22 more people have been sent to quarantine.
Also Read | Nipah virus alert in West Bengal: Here's what we know about symptoms, spread and prevention
What health officials are advising
In this situation, Shadangi explained ways to stay safe from the Nipah virus. His clear words: "Date palm juice, palm juice, half-eaten fruits from trees should not be consumed under any circumstances. Raw fruits must be washed very well before eating."
The dangerous Nipah virus mainly spreads through bats. Therefore, the health department thinks it's better to avoid fruits from tall trees for now. And advice has been given to stay far away from date palm tree juice, palm tree juice, half-eaten or bitten fruits. The Chief Medical Officer of Health of West Midnapore district has also advised avoiding crowds, as during the COVID-19 period. In his words, "It's better to wear masks during this time."
Symptoms to watch out for and response plan
Severe fever, intense headache, nausea, breathing difficulty, calf muscle or neurological pain, slurred speech, and facial muscle contraction - these can be symptoms of Nipah virus infection, according to the health department. If symptoms appear, one must go to a health centre or hospital. However, Shadangi has said there is no reason to panic. He said that being alert is the only task now.
Regarding the Nipah outbreak in Bengal, a notification has been issued by the Government of India's National Centre for Disease Control. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been formed. This team will work in coordination with the West Bengal government's health department to prevent Nipah virus transmission. This team includes a total of five specialists, including doctors from Kalyani and Bhubaneswar AIIMS, Pune NIV. Central Health Minister J P Nadda has also spoken over the phone with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the Nipah virus infection incident.
