A fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal state has raised concerns across parts of Asia, prompting several countries to tighten health screening measures at airports and border points.
Thailand has begun screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at three of its airports. Nepal has also introduced checks for travellers entering through Kathmandu airport as well as at key land border crossings with India.
Indian health authorities have confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal since December, both reportedly involving healthcare workers. According to the health ministry, 196 people who came into contact with the infected individuals have been identified and tested, with all results so far coming back negative.
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Fruit bats and pigs are known carriers, and the virus can also be transmitted through contaminated food or via close contact between people. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available, and the fatality rate can range from 40 to 75 percent. The World Health Organization has listed Nipah among its top ten priority diseases due to its potential to cause serious outbreaks, placing it alongside threats such as Covid-19 and Zika.
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