Two people have died from Nipah virus in the Indian state of West Bengal, prompting airports across Asia to heighten screening measures. The Indian health ministry confirmed the cases since December, but stated that timely containment measures have prevented further spread.
Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Indonesia have introduced additional screening for passengers arriving from India, including temperature checks and health declarations. Myanmar has advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal, while China has strengthened disease prevention in border areas.
Nipah virus is primarily transmitted from animals such as pigs and fruit bats to humans. It has a high fatality rate of 40% to 75% and no vaccine is available. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues, which can progress to brain swelling and seizures.
The Indian health ministry said nearly 200 close contacts have been tested with no further outbreaks detected. They described reports of a surge as “speculative and incorrect”. The last outbreak in West Bengal was in 2007.
