Nipah Virus Outbreak Fears Trigger Airport Checks Across Asia After India Confirms Two Cases

Nipah Virus Outbreak Fears Trigger Airport Checks Across Asia After India Confirms Two Cases. 

 

Authorities across Asia have intensified airport health screening following confirmation of two Nipah virus infections in India, raising regional concerns over a potential cross-border outbreak of the highly lethal disease.

The heightened alert has prompted countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal and China to activate temperature checks, health declarations and surveillance measures for travellers arriving from affected areas in India. Ejes Gist News reports that the actions follow warnings from global health authorities about the epidemic potential of the Nipah virus outbreak.

Why the Nipah Virus Is a Global Concern

The Nipah virus is classified by the World Health Organization as a priority pathogen due to its high fatality rate, estimated between 40 and 75 per cent, its ability to spread rapidly, and the absence of an approved vaccine or definitive cure.

The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected fruit bats, pigs or other animals, and can also spread from person to person through close physical contact. In humans, infection may lead to severe fever and acute brain inflammation.

India Confirms Two Nipah Virus Cases

Indian health authorities confirmed that two health workers in the eastern state of West Bengal tested positive for the Nipah virus in late December. Both patients are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

 

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According to India’s health ministry, 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases have been traced, tested and placed under surveillance, with no additional infections detected.

The ministry dismissed reports circulating online suggesting higher infection figures, stating that enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing and field investigations ensured swift containment of the cases.

Airport Screening Measures Across Asia

Singapore

Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency announced the introduction of temperature screening at its main airport for flights arriving from affected regions in India. Authorities are also stepping up health surveillance among newly arrived migrant workers from South Asia and engaging primary healthcare providers to remain alert.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong health authorities confirmed enhanced screening at Hong Kong International Airport, including temperature checks at arrival gates for passengers arriving from India.

Thailand

Thailand has tightened airport health controls by designating specific parking bays for aircraft arriving from Nipah-affected areas. Passengers are required to complete health declaration forms before immigration clearance.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s health ministry said it has strengthened preparedness through screening at international ports of entry, particularly for travellers arriving from countries assessed as higher risk.

Nepal and China

Nepal, which shares a busy land border with India, placed border points on high alert and instructed officials to intensify screening for suspected cases. China’s disease control authorities said no Nipah infections had been detected domestically but acknowledged the risk of imported cases.

History of Nipah Virus in India

The Nipah virus was first identified in 1998 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, though scientists believe it has circulated among fruit bats for thousands of years.

India has recorded sporadic Nipah virus outbreaks over the years, particularly in Kerala State, regarded as one of the world’s most vulnerable regions for Nipah transmission. Since 2018, outbreaks in Kerala have been linked to dozens of fatalities.

The recent cases in West Bengal are the state’s first confirmed Nipah infections in nearly 20 years, following five fatal cases recorded in 2007, according to local health records.

Ongoing Surveillance and International Coordination

Regional health agencies have indicated that coordination with South Asian counterparts is ongoing, including discussions around genomic sequencing and data sharing to better monitor the evolution and transmission risks associated with the Nipah virus outbreak.

Several experimental vaccines remain in development, though none has yet completed clinical trials or received regulatory approval.