NEW DELHI: An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal has triggered heightened health surveillance across parts of Asia, with several countries tightening screening measures at airports and border points.
Thailand has begun screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at three international airports in Bangkok and Phuket. Travellers on these flights are being asked to submit health declarations. Nepal has also initiated screening of arrivals at Kathmandu airport and at key land border crossings with India.
India’s health ministry has confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal since December, both reportedly involving healthcare workers. Authorities said 196 people who came into contact with the infected individuals have been traced and tested negative.
“There is no cause for panic. The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the ministry said.
What Is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals—particularly fruit bats and pigs—to humans. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through contaminated food or close contact.
The virus has a high fatality rate of 40% to 75%, and no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available.
The World Health Organization lists Nipah among its top ten priority diseases, alongside Covid-19 and Zika, due to its epidemic potential.
Symptoms and Incubation Period
- Incubation period: 4–14 days
- Early symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat
- Severe cases: Drowsiness, altered consciousness, pneumonia
- Critical complication: Encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal
Some infected individuals may show no symptoms at all.
Past Nipah Outbreaks
- 1998–99 (Malaysia & Singapore): Over 100 deaths; one million pigs culled
- Bangladesh: More than 100 deaths since 2001
- India:
- West Bengal outbreaks in 2001 and 2007
- Kerala outbreaks in 2018 (17 deaths out of 19 cases) and 2023 (2 deaths)
Regional Response
- Thailand: Airport screening and enhanced checks at tourist and wildlife locations
- Nepal: Screening at airport and land borders
- Taiwan: Considering classifying Nipah as a Category 5 disease, requiring immediate reporting and special containment measures
Thai health officials said they are “fairly confident” in preventing an outbreak.
