Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan tighten passenger screening after limited Nipah cases in India
New Delhi/Kolkata, India – Web Desk: Following the detection of limited Nipah virus cases in India, several Asian countries have heightened airport screening and passenger monitoring to prevent cross-border transmission. Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have increased health checks on travelers arriving from West Bengal, reintroducing COVID-style medical screening protocols at major airports.
Indian health authorities report that Nipah is a zoonotic virus primarily transmitted from bats and pigs to humans, with the potential for human-to-human spread. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, while severe infections can lead to respiratory distress and fatal encephalitis.
Officials emphasize that the outbreak in India remains under control, with only a few confirmed cases in West Bengal. Kerala and West Bengal are considered endemic regions for Nipah. The virus has a high case fatality rate of 40–75%, and no approved vaccine currently exists. However, monoclonal antibody treatments are being procured for patient care.
The recent spread in West Bengal originated from a small number of healthcare workers, with dozens of close contacts under monitoring. So far, only two confirmed cases have emerged near Kolkata, with suspected individuals testing negative and subsequently released. The quarantine period for Nipah is 21 days, with close contacts being most at risk.
Internationally, precautionary measures have been implemented. Thailand has begun temperature checks and symptom screenings at Bangkok and Phuket airports. Nepal has enhanced border and air travel screening, while Taiwan is considering classifying Nipah as a highly dangerous notifiable disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential.
Health experts continue to stress the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and isolation of suspected cases to contain the virus and prevent international spread. Travelers from affected areas are urged to comply with health screenings and report any symptoms promptly.
