Several Asian countries have increased health checks at airports after new Nipah virus cases were reported in India. Nations such as Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan have brought back Covid-style screening, especially for passengers arriving from India. These checks include symptom monitoring and closer observation of travelers.
The situation has also caused concern in China, especially as the busy Lunar New Year travel season is about to begin. During this period, millions of people travel within China and abroad. Although experts in China say large-scale spread of Nipah is unlikely, worry remains because the virus has a very high death rate.
China’s disease control authorities have asked for extra caution during the peak travel season from early February to mid-March. They have warned about the risk of infectious diseases entering the country through international travel.
In India, health experts say Nipah is not new. Dr Narendra Kumar Arora, President of AIIMS Bilaspur and a senior public health expert, said that Kerala and West Bengal are areas where Nipah outbreaks have occurred before. He explained that the current outbreak in West Bengal was first seen among five health workers after a patient died from an unknown illness.
Authorities are now tracing and monitoring another 100 to 200 people who may have come in contact with the virus. Dr Arora said Nipah is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are believed to be the main carriers.
The virus is highly dangerous, with a death rate between 40% and 75%. Infected people usually develop either brain-related symptoms, known as encephalitis, or severe breathing problems.
At present, there is no vaccine for Nipah. Treatment depends on early diagnosis and the use of monoclonal antibodies. However, these medicines are in limited supply worldwide. India is working to increase their availability and has advised people to avoid close contact with animals in affected areas to reduce risk.
