Airports across several Asian countries have begun tightening health surveillance and travel screening. This follows confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in India’s eastern state of West Bengal. The renewed precautions reflect growing regional concern about the virus’s high fatality rate. However, health experts say it does not spread easily between people.
Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan are among the countries that have stepped up preventive measures, particularly for travellers arriving from India. Health authorities across the region say these steps are precautionary. They are aimed at early detection rather than a response to widespread transmission.
In India, health officials say the situation remains under control. According to the National Centre for Disease Control, only two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease have been reported in West Bengal since December last year. After the cases were confirmed, the central government and the West Bengal government implemented strict public health measures. These were put in place in line with established protocols.
A total of 196 people who had contact with the infected patients were identified, traced, monitored, and tested. The Indian health ministry stated on that all identified contacts were asymptomatic and had tested negative for the virus. Officials stressed that there is no evidence of further spread at this stage.
Thailand has taken visible action at its major international airports. The Ministry of Public Health has intensified health screenings at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, and Phuket International Airport for passengers arriving from West Bengal and its surrounding areas. Screening methods include temperature checks and health document reviews. These are similar to systems used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Passengers are being monitored for fever and symptoms associated with Nipah virus infection. Health “beware” cards are also being distributed to travellers to guide them on what steps to take if they feel unwell after arrival. In addition, authorities said cooperation from passengers has been strong.
Addressing public concern, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said no Nipah cases have been recorded in Thailand so far. He warned that vigilance would continue. “Thailand’s Department of Disease Control screens travellers from West Bengal, India, at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports amid the Nipah virus outbreak,” the Thai government said. “Health officials are implementing strict measures, and passengers have shown excellent cooperation at checkpoints.”
Local media reported that travellers who arrive with high fever or symptoms that may indicate Nipah infection will be transferred to quarantine facilities for further medical evaluation. Cleaning and disease-control preparedness have also been increased at Phuket International Airport as part of broader preventive efforts.
Thailand’s wildlife and public parks authorities have also ordered stricter monitoring at caves and natural tourist attractions. This is due to concerns about the virus’s link to fruit bats. Tourists have been urged to follow clear safety advice. Officials warned visitors to follow the rule “Don’t hunt, don’t forage, don’t eat.”
In Nepal, the government has raised alert levels and intensified health checks at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Officials have also raised alerts at key land border crossings with India. Health desks have been set up to screen travellers for symptoms. In addition, hospitals and border health points have been instructed to report and manage suspected cases immediately.
Nepalese authorities acknowledged that the country’s open border with India poses challenges. This is especially true with the daily movement of people from neighbouring West Bengal. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Dr Prakash Budhathoki, said preventive measures are in place.
“We have specifically intensified surveillance at border points in Koshi Province,” he said. “Health checks have also been ordered for people entering Nepal through other border crossings.”
Meanwhile, health authorities in Taiwan are planning to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease. This is the highest level for serious emerging infections under local law. The move, which will go through a 60-day public comment period, would require immediate reporting and special control measures. These would be implemented if any cases are detected.
Taiwan’s Centres for Disease Control said the decision reflects concern over the virus’s high fatality rate and epidemic potential. The CDC’s deputy director-general Lin Ming-cheng said, “Travel advisories will be updated as the outbreak evolves.” Taiwan is currently maintaining a Level 2 travel alert for parts of India, advising travellers to exercise caution.
The World Health Organization has described Nipah virus as a priority pathogen due to its potential to cause outbreaks with serious public health impact. The virus spreads mainly from animals, particularly fruit bats and pigs, to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food. In some cases, it can spread through close person-to-person contact in households or healthcare settings.
Early symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. Severe cases may lead to breathing difficulties or fatal brain inflammation. Although Nipah has a high fatality rate, estimated between 40 and 75 percent, experts say it is not airborne. Furthermore, it is not considered highly transmissible.
