Airports across multiple Asian nations have swiftly reinstated health surveillance measures reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic, following the confirmation of Nipah virus cases in India's West Bengal state. The rapid response aims to detect and prevent the potential international spread of this deadly zoonotic pathogen.
Regional Health Authorities on High Alert
Health ministries in Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan have activated precautionary protocols after Indian authorities identified two Nipah virus infections. The Indian health ministry confirmed that 196 contacts of the infected patients were traced, monitored and tested, with all individuals found to be asymptomatic and testing negative for the virus.
Thailand's Multi-Layered Airport Response
Thai public health officials have implemented comprehensive screening at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket International Airports for passengers arriving from West Bengal. The measures include thermal scanning for fever, symptom monitoring, and the distribution of health advisory cards to guide travellers on appropriate actions if they become ill.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed public concerns, stating that while no domestic Nipah cases have been recorded, surveillance levels would remain elevated. The Thai government emphasised that passengers have shown excellent cooperation at checkpoints since screening began on 25 January.
Authorities have intensified cleaning protocols and disease-control preparedness at Phuket International Airport, which receives a daily direct Indigo airline flight from Kolkata in West Bengal. Travellers presenting with high fever or symptoms suggestive of Nipah infection will be transferred immediately to quarantine facilities.
Nepal's Border Surveillance Intensification
Nepalese health officials have raised alert levels and implemented enhanced screening at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and key land border crossings with India. Health desks have been established to monitor travellers for symptoms, with hospitals and border health points instructed to report and manage any suspicious cases.
Dr Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for Nepal's health ministry, confirmed that individual passenger screening has commenced at all major entry points. "We have specifically intensified surveillance at border points in Koshi Province," he stated, highlighting the challenges posed by open borders and daily movement from neighbouring West Bengal.
Taiwan's Regulatory Response
Taiwanese health authorities are taking legislative action by planning to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease, the highest classification for serious emerging infections under local law. This designation, subject to a 60-day public comment period, would mandate immediate reporting and special control measures should cases occur.
The Taiwan Centres for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a Level 2 "yellow" travel alert for Kerala state in southwestern India, advising travellers to exercise heightened caution. Deputy director-general Lin Ming-cheng confirmed that travel advisories will be updated continuously as the outbreak situation evolves.
Understanding the Nipah Virus Threat
The World Health Organisation has designated Nipah virus as a priority pathogen due to its significant epidemic potential. This zoonotic disease primarily spreads to humans from infected pigs and bats, but can also transmit through close person-to-person contact.
Initial infection symptoms typically include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. More severe manifestations can involve dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, severe atypical pneumonia and respiratory distress. In extreme cases, Nipah can progress to fatal encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
Historical outbreaks have demonstrated alarmingly high fatality rates, ranging between 40 and 75 percent depending on the specific viral strain and outbreak circumstances. The virus has been documented across multiple Asian nations including Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.
According to the International Society for Infectious Disease, Bangladesh has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases and fatalities, with 341 cases resulting in 241 deaths. This historical context underscores the seriousness with which regional health authorities are approaching the current situation in West Bengal.
The coordinated response across Asian nations represents a significant application of lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating how established screening infrastructure can be rapidly adapted to address emerging public health threats.
