Several Asian countries have stepped up airport and border health surveillance after an outbreak of the Nipah virus was reported in India’s West Bengal, prompting authorities to reintroduce measures reminiscent of Covid-era travel checks.
Health agencies in Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan have begun screening passengers arriving from affected areas following confirmation of five Nipah infections in West Bengal.
The virus, which can spread from animals such as bats and pigs to humans and occasionally through close human contact, is considered one of the world’s most dangerous emerging pathogens.
In India, containment efforts are underway after the virus was detected at a hospital in West Bengal.
About 100 people have been placed under quarantine, while a doctor, a nurse and another hospital worker tested positive after earlier cases were identified among healthcare staff from the same district.
Thailand has increased monitoring at key international gateways, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports. Passengers arriving from West Bengal are being screened for fever and related symptoms and provided with health advisory cards.
Authorities said travellers showing signs of illness may be transferred to quarantine facilities, while sanitation and disease-control measures have been reinforced, particularly at Phuket airport, which maintains direct flight links with Kolkata.
Thailand’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the country has not recorded any Nipah cases so far but stressed that vigilance would continue as a precaution.
Neighbouring Nepal has also heightened alert levels.
Health officials have intensified checks at Kathmandu’s international airport and along major land border crossings with India.
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A spokesperson for Nepal’s health ministry said the screenings are aimed at preventing the virus from entering the country amid rising regional concern.
In Taiwan, health authorities are preparing to upgrade Nipah infection to the highest category of notifiable disease, a move that would mandate immediate reporting and stricter control measures.
Officials said travel advisories would be reviewed depending on how the situation evolves.
The World Health Organisation classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its high epidemic potential.
Previous outbreaks have recorded fatality rates ranging from 40 to 75 per cent, underscoring the seriousness of the renewed regional precautions.
