A Nipah virus outbreak in India’s West Bengal has prompted heightened health screenings at airports and border points across Asia, though Indian authorities say the situation is under control.
Indian health officials confirmed two laboratory‑verified cases since December, with 196 close contacts traced and tested — all negative and symptom-free. Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals like fruit bats or pigs to humans, and in rare cases between people through close contact or contaminated food. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, and the fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, according to the WHO.
To prevent cross-border spread, Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have introduced precautionary airport screenings, including temperature checks, symptom observation, and health declaration forms for travellers arriving from West Bengal.
In Thailand, major international airports such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket are monitoring incoming passengers, though no domestic Nipah cases have been detected. Health advisory cards are also distributed for symptom awareness.
Nepal has set up health desks at Kathmandu airport and key land borders, while Taiwan is reinforcing surveillance and considering making Nipah a notifiable disease.
Experts note that Nipah’s transmission requires close contact, unlike airborne viruses like COVID‑19, reducing in-flight transmission risk but making early detection and isolation crucial.
Indian authorities continue to emphasise that the outbreak is limited, with surveillance and containment measures focused on preventing wider community spread.
Also Read: Shashi Tharoor denies CPI(M) links, confirms talks
