Airports in several parts of Asia have started tightening health checks after a Nipah virus outbreak was reported in India, according to a report from The Independent. Countries including Thailand, Nepal and Taiwanhave increased screening and surveillance following the confirmation of five Nipah virus cases in West Bengal.
According to WHO, symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may experience dizziness, confusion, breathing problems and pneumonia.
Earlier, Indian authorities stepped up safety measures after Nipah cases were detected in Barasat, near Kolkata, and surrounding areas. Nipah typically spreads from animals such as pigs and bats to humans. It can also spread through close person-to-person contact, which has put health officials on high alert. But is there really a Nipah outbreak in India?
NCDC clarifies Nipah situation in India
According to the National Centre for Disease Control, India, “Nipah Virus Disease is not a major outbreak and only a local occurrence limited to two districts in Kerala i.e. Kozhikode & Malappuram. Available data suggest that there is no need for the general public to be apprehensive about the safety of individuals and their family members. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely monitoring the situation.”
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Speaking to ANI on Monday, former state government health advisor and infectious disease specialist Dr Sayan Chakraborty said, “Reports of five Nipah cases in West Bengalare untrue. As of now, only two cases have been reported.” The confirmed cases were detected in the Barasat area near Kolkata. Both patients were healthcare workers who had come in close contact with each other, which is believed to be how the infection spread.
Dr Chakraborty explained that while a few suspected cases were admitted earlier, there was no cause for alarm. “There were some suspected cases, and those patients were admitted to our Beleghata ID Hospital. Their tests came back negative, and all those patients have already been discharged. No other cases have been found yet,” he said.
He added that early fears of a spike in cases did not come true. “Earlier, it seemed like the cases might increase, but nothing like that has happened. The government has done a good job,” he said.
Thailand tightens airport screening amid Nipah scare
Meanwhile, in Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health has increased health screening at major airports for passengers arriving from West Bengal. Officials are using methods first introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Passengers arriving at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports are being checked for fever and other Nipah-related symptoms.
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Health “beware” cards are also being handed out. These cards explain what travellers should do if they start feeling unwell after arrival. Responding to public concern, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said there are no Nipah cases in Thailand, but monitoring will continue.
The Thai government said in a statement:
“Thailand’s Department of Disease Control screens travellers from West Bengal, India at Suvarnabhumi & Don Mueang airports starting 25 January amid Nipah virus outbreak. Health officials implement strict measures as passengers show excellent cooperation at checkpoints.”
Nipah outbreak: Nepal raises alert at airport and borders
Nepal has also raised its alert level and increased health checks at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at key land borders with India. Several health desks have been set up to screen travellers, and hospitals and border health posts have been told to report and manage any suspicious cases quickly. Health Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki said steps are already in place to stop the virus from spreading.
“We have specifically intensified surveillance at border points in Koshi Province. Health checks have also been ordered for people entering Nepal through other border crossings,” he said.
Taiwan plans strict Nipah disease classification
In Taiwan, health authorities are planning to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease, the highest level for serious emerging infections.
If approved after a 60-day public consultation period, the move would require immediate reporting and special control measures if any cases are detected.
The World Health Organisation has identified Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its ability to cause outbreaks and its high death rate. |
