India, Jan. 13 -- Two suspected cases of Nipah virus were detected at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, ICMR, at AIIMS Kalyani, West Bengal, on January 11, official sources said on Monday. Given the serious nature of the Nipah virus infection, a zoonotic disease with high mortality and potential for rapid spread, the situation is being handled with utmost priority, they said. One of the suspect cases had a history of travelling to Ghugragachi in Bengal's Nadia district, which is located close to the India-Bangladesh border, a source said.

Immediately upon the receipt of the information, the Union health secretary held discussions with the chief secretary and principal secretary (health), government of West Bengal, to review t...