Nipah Virus Outbreak Triggers Regional Airport Screening Across Asia
A deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India's West Bengal state has prompted several Asian nations to implement enhanced screening protocols at international airports and border crossings, highlighting regional concerns over the pathogen's pandemic potential.Thailand initiated passenger screening procedures at three major international airports in Bangkok and Phuket that receive flights from West Bengal, while Nepal began similar measures at Kathmandu airport and land border points with India. The precautionary steps follow confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal since December, both reportedly among healthcare workers.The Nipah virus, classified by the World Health Organization among its top ten priority diseases alongside COVID-19 and Zika, carries a mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%. Currently, no approved vaccines or treatments exist for the pathogen, which can transmit from animals to humans and through person-to-person contact via contaminated food.India's health ministry reported that 196 individuals who had contact with the confirmed cases have been traced and tested negative for the virus. "The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place," the ministry stated, emphasizing that all contacts remain asymptomatic.The virus's symptoms range from fever, headaches, and muscle pain to more severe manifestations including encephalitis—a potentially fatal brain inflammation. The incubation period spans four to 14 days, with some infected individuals showing no symptoms at all.Historical outbreaks underscore the virus's economic and public health impact. The first recognized outbreak in 1998 among Malaysian pig farmers resulted in over 100 deaths and the culling of one million pigs, causing significant economic losses across the livestock sector. Bangladesh has recorded more than 100 Nipah-related deaths since 2001, while India has experienced multiple outbreaks, including recent cases in Kerala state where 17 of 19 infected individuals died in 2018.Regional responses reflect growing awareness of cross-border health security challenges. Thailand's Department for Disease Control expressed confidence in its outbreak prevention measures, implementing health declarations for passengers from affected areas and stricter screenings at natural tourist attractions. Taiwan's health authorities have proposed classifying Nipah as a "Category 5 disease," requiring immediate reporting and special control measures.The coordinated regional response demonstrates how localized outbreaks of high-mortality pathogens can quickly trigger international health security protocols, particularly in Asia's interconnected travel and trade networks. While no cases have been reported outside India, the swift implementation of screening measures reflects lessons learned from previous pandemic experiences.Source: BBC News
