An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India's West Bengal state has sparked concern in parts of Asia, leading several countries to implement heightened screening measures at airports.
Thailand has initiated screening procedures at three airports that specifically receive flights from West Bengal. Similarly, Nepal has commenced screenings at the Kathmandu airport and various land border points with India.
The outbreak has resulted in five healthcare workers in West Bengal testing positive for the Nipah virus, one of whom is currently in critical condition. Around 110 individuals who had contact with these workers are now under quarantine.
The Nipah virus, known for its high mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, is transmitted from animals to humans, with no existing vaccine or treatment. Symptoms may vary but can include fever, headaches, muscle pain, and in severe cases, encephalitis.
The World Health Organization prioritizes Nipah due to its potential for epidemics, marking it among the top ten diseases requiring urgent attention.
The first known Nipah outbreak occurred in 1998 in Malaysia, where it significantly impacted both public health and agriculture. Bangladesh has experienced numerous fatalities from Nipah since 2001, and various outbreaks have been recorded in India.
As of last week, five confirmed cases have been traced back to a private hospital in Barasat, West Bengal. While no cases have emerged outside India, countries in the region are urgently tightening health precautions with Thailand leading efforts to screen arriving passengers.
Meanwhile, authorities in Taiwan have proposed categorizing the Nipah virus as a 'Category 5 disease', necessitating prompt reporting and specific control measures to protect public health.
