Airports across several Asian countries have stepped up health surveillance after confirmed Nipah virus infections were reported in India, prompting renewed regional vigilance. Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have reintroduced Covid-era-style screening measures, including passenger monitoring and symptom surveillance for travellers arriving from India.
The outbreak has also drawn attention in China ahead of the Lunar New Year travel rush, when millions are expected to move domestically and internationally. While Chinese experts say Nipah is unlikely to spread widely, concerns persist due to the virus’s high fatality rate.
China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged “heightened vigilance” against imported infectious diseases during the peak travel season, known as chunyun, which runs from February 2 to March 13, according to the South China Morning Post.
Nipah cases confirmed in West Bengal
Indian health authorities have confirmed five Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, all involving healthcare workers, according to Dr Narendra Kumar Arora, President of AIIMS Bilaspur and Chairman of India’s Covid-19 Working Group at the National Technical Advisory Group.
“Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease… These sporadic outbreaks have occurred in both Kerala and West Bengal. But even Bangladesh is endemic for the Nipah virus… The current outbreak was first reported among 5 health workers in West Bengal after a person died of an unknown disease,” Arora told ANI.
Nearly 100 to 200 people are currently under contact tracing, while around 100 individuals have been advised to quarantine. One infected nurse is reported to be in critical condition, with patients receiving treatment in hospitals around Kolkata.
High fatality rate, no vaccine available
Health experts warn that the Nipah virus carries a mortality rate of 40–75 per cent and has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment.
“Nipah virus is highly infectious and fatal… The person either gets symptoms of encephalitis or severe respiratory disease, and mortality is 40 to 75%, which is very high,” Arora said.
Treatment remains supportive, with monoclonal antibodies being used in limited supply. Indian authorities are working to secure adequate doses amid global shortages.
How the Nipah virus spreads and its symptoms
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals such as fruit bats and pigs to humans, and can also be transmitted through close human-to-human contact. Infection can occur via contaminated food, particularly fruit or raw date palm sap exposed to bat saliva or urine.
Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, while severe cases may progress to respiratory distress, pneumonia, and encephalitis. The incubation period ranges from four to 21 days.
Countries tighten travel screening
Thailand has intensified surveillance at major airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket. Travellers arriving from West Bengal are being screened for fever and Nipah-related symptoms, with health advisory cards distributed at entry points.
Nepal has strengthened health checks at Tribhuvan International Airport and key land border crossings with India. Hospitals and border health desks have been instructed to identify and report suspected cases.
Taiwanese authorities are moving to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease, requiring immediate reporting and strict containment measures. A Level-2 travel alert remains in place for India’s Kerala state.
WHO lists Nipah as a priority pathogen
The World Health Organization classifies the Nipah virus as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential, high fatality rate, and lack of medical countermeasures. Experts stress that while human infections are rare, prevention through surveillance, infection control, and public awareness remains critical.
Indian health officials have reiterated that the situation is under control but urged continued caution, particularly in hospital settings and regions where fruit bats are present.
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