The global landscape of public health was fundamentally reshaped by COVID-19, and memories of airport screenings, temperature checks, and travel advisories remain vivid. Now, years later, the emergence of another deadly virus has prompted several Asian countries to revive some of the protective measures used during the pandemic era. A confirmed outbreak of the Nipah virus in eastern India has led health authorities and governments across the region to take swift preventive action, particularly at international travel hubs.
Health officials in India are currently working to contain a Nipah virus outbreak in the eastern state of West Bengal after five confirmed cases were identified. Those infected include healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses, raising concerns about hospital-based transmission. Nearly 100 individuals have been instructed to remain in home quarantine, while patients are receiving treatment in medical facilities in and around Kolkata. One patient is reported to be in critical condition.
The Nipah virus is classified as a highly dangerous zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The World Health Organization has designated Nipah as a high-risk pathogen due to its severe health impacts, elevated fatality rate, and the absence of an approved vaccine or curative treatment. While infections in humans are relatively rare, the virus is known for its capacity to cause serious outbreaks when conditions allow for transmission.
How Nipah Virus Spreads
Scientific research has identified fruit bats as the natural reservoir of the Nipah virus. The virus can spread to humans when they consume fruit or other food products contaminated by bat saliva or urine. In some cases, domestic animals such as pigs act as intermediate hosts, enabling the virus to pass from bats to humans more easily. Once human infection occurs, the virus can also spread from person to person through close contact, particularly via bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, or respiratory secretions.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nipah infection typically begins with symptoms resembling the flu. Patients may experience fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and general weakness. Some individuals also develop respiratory symptoms, including coughing or pneumonia. The incubation period usually ranges from four to 14 days, although longer periods have been documented in rare cases.
The most severe and life-threatening complication associated with Nipah virus infection is encephalitis, a condition marked by inflammation of the brain. This can lead to confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma. Survivors may suffer long-term neurological effects, including persistent seizures, cognitive impairment, or personality changes, underscoring the virus’s lasting impact even beyond initial recovery.
A History of Deadly Outbreaks
Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore. That outbreak primarily affected pig farmers and individuals who had close contact with infected pigs. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been recorded in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, northeastern India, and the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Although the virus has been detected in bat populations across parts of Asia and Africa, human infections have largely remained confined to South and Southeast Asia. Previous outbreaks have varied in scale but have consistently demonstrated the virus’s high mortality rate. Historical data show fatality rates ranging from 40 percent to as high as 75 percent in some outbreaks, depending on healthcare access and speed of response.
At present, there is no proven antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Nipah virus infection. Medical care is largely supportive, focusing on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and providing intensive care when necessary. The World Health Organization continues to emphasize prevention as the most effective strategy, advising people in affected regions to avoid consuming raw fruits potentially contaminated by bats, refrain from drinking raw date palm sap, ensure food is thoroughly cooked, and minimize contact with infected individuals or animals.
Hospital-Origin Transmission in West Bengal
Initial findings from the current West Bengal outbreak suggest that the virus may have originated within a hospital setting. The first confirmed cases reportedly involved a male nurse and a female nurse, followed by a doctor, another nurse, and a hospital staff member. This pattern has heightened concerns about infection control practices and occupational exposure among healthcare workers.
Authorities in India have intensified surveillance efforts, contact tracing, and isolation protocols to prevent further spread. Hospitals in and around Kolkata have implemented stricter infection control measures, while public health teams continue to monitor individuals who may have been exposed.
Regional Precautions and Travel Screening
While Nipah virus has not historically caused widespread global outbreaks, its severity has prompted neighboring countries to act preemptively. Several Asian nations have tightened health screening measures for travelers arriving from affected regions, drawing on systems used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have all announced enhanced screening protocols. These measures include temperature checks, symptom monitoring, and health advisories for passengers traveling from eastern India. Airports are once again becoming focal points for disease prevention efforts as governments seek to minimize the risk of cross-border transmission.
In Thailand, passengers traveling through major international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket, are now undergoing fever screening and symptom assessments linked to Nipah virus infection. Health officials are also distributing informational “beware” cards to travelers, outlining warning signs and advising them on steps to take if symptoms develop after arrival.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the situation publicly, stating, “Thailand’s Department of Disease Control screens travellers from West Bengal, India at Suvarnabhumi & Don Mueang airports starting 25 January amid Nipah virus outbreak. Health officials implement strict measures as passengers show excellent cooperation at checkpoints.”
Nepal has introduced similar precautions at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at key land border crossings with India. These measures aim to detect potential cases early and prevent further spread within the country.
Heightened Alerts Across Asia
Taiwan has taken steps to elevate its preparedness level by moving toward classifying Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease. This designation represents the country’s highest alert level for serious emerging infectious diseases under its public health framework. Such a classification would enable rapid reporting, isolation, and response measures should a suspected case arise.
China has reported that no Nipah virus cases have been detected within its borders. However, authorities remain cautious. State broadcaster CCTV reported that there is still a risk of imported cases, citing the country’s disease control agency. China’s experience with stringent containment strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced its current vigilance regarding emerging infectious threats.
The World Health Organization has once again emphasized that Nipah remains a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential. Health experts note that the virus’s high mortality rate, combined with the lack of treatment options, makes early detection and containment essential.
Public Guidance and Ongoing Monitoring
Health authorities across the region continue to urge caution, particularly in areas near the outbreak. Public advisories stress the importance of avoiding activities that may increase exposure to the virus. In Thailand, officials have summarized their guidance succinctly with the message: “Don’t hunt, don’t forage, don’t eat.”
For now, the focus remains on containment, monitoring, and prevention. Governments and health agencies are working to ensure that healthcare systems are prepared, travelers are informed, and communities remain vigilant. While the current outbreak remains limited in scope, the rapid response reflects lessons learned from past global health crises and the recognition that swift action can be critical in preventing a more widespread emergency.