Asian countries including Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan have tightened airport screening and health surveillance following confirmed Nipah virus cases in India. Authorities say the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for person-to-person transmission warrant heightened preventive measures.
Several countries across Asia are on high alert after confirmed cases of the Nipah virus were detected in India. The outbreak has led to heightened surveillance and screening at international airports and border crossings. The cases have been reported in the Indian state of West Bengal and prompted countries in the neighbourhood to introduce precautionary screening measures for travellers arriving from India.
Health officials in India have confirmed Nipah virus infections linked to a private hospital near Kolkata, prompting large-scale contact tracing and quarantine efforts. Approximately 100 people have been quarantined, while officials said 180 individuals have been tested so far. Of these, 20 high-risk contacts remain under quarantine, all of whom are asymptomatic and have tested negative. One of the infected nurses is reported to be in critical condition, according to West Bengal’s health department.
List of countries introducing health checks for India flights
Thailand
Thailand has intensified health surveillance at major international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket, for passengers arriving from West Bengal. Travellers are being monitored for fever and Nipah-related symptoms, and health “beware” cards are being distributed to provide guidance in case symptoms develop. Authorities have also enhanced cleaning and disease-control preparedness at airports.
“Thailand’s Department of Disease Control screens travellers from West Bengal, India… starting 25 January amid Nipah virus outbreak,” the Thai government said, noting strong cooperation from passengers. Travellers displaying symptoms may be transferred to quarantine facilities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said no Nipah cases have been detected domestically, but surveillance remains at elevated levels.
Nepal
Nepal has raised its alert level and strengthened health checks at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and key land border crossings with India. Health desks have been deployed to screen travellers, while hospitals and border health points have been instructed to identify and report suspected cases.
“We have specifically intensified surveillance at border points in Koshi Province,” said Dr Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Health, citing concerns over frequent cross-border movement.
Taiwan
Taiwanese health authorities are planning to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease, the highest level for emerging infections under local law. The move would mandate immediate reporting and strict control measures if cases are detected. Taiwan is currently maintaining a Level 2 “yellow” travel alert for India’s Kerala state, with officials saying advisories will be updated as the outbreak evolves.
What is Nipah virus and What are the symptoms?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as its natural host. Transmission can also occur through infected pigs, contaminated food, or close human-to-human contact.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Sore Throat
Severe infections may progress to:
- Respiratory distress
- Pneumonia
- Altered consciousness
- Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain
