Nipah Virus Outbreak Raises Regional Alert as Asian Countries Step Up Screening

An emerging nipah virus outbreak in India’s West Bengal state has raised concerns across parts of Asia, prompting several countries to tighten health screening at airports and border points. Authorities say the situation is under control, but precautions are being increased due to the virus’s high fatality rate and lack of treatment.

What Is the Nipah Virus?

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals such as fruit bats and pigs to humans. It can also be transmitted between people through contaminated food or close contact.

The World Health Organization has listed Nipah among its top ten priority diseases because of its potential to cause large outbreaks. There is currently no approved vaccine or medicine for the virus.

Symptoms and Health Risks

The incubation period for Nipah ranges from four to 14 days. Some infected people may show no symptoms, while others develop mild to severe illness.

Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may experience drowsiness, altered consciousness, pneumonia and encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain that can be fatal. The death rate ranges from 40% to 75%.

Past Nipah Outbreaks

The first known Nipah outbreak occurred in Malaysia in 1998 among pig farmers and later spread to Singapore. More than 100 people died, and around one million pigs were culled to control the spread.

Bangladesh has reported more than 100 deaths from Nipah since 2001. In India, outbreaks were recorded in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, and more recently in Kerala, where fatal cases were reported in 2018 and 2023.

Current Situation in West Bengal

India’s health ministry has confirmed two cases of the nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal since December, both reportedly involving healthcare workers. A total of 196 people who came into contact with the patients have been traced, monitored and tested negative.

The ministry said all contacts are asymptomatic and that the situation is being closely monitored with necessary public health measures in place.

Regional Precautionary Measures

Although no cases have been reported outside India, several countries have increased surveillance. Thailand has begun screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at three international airports in Bangkok and Phuket, with health declaration forms now required.

Nepal has also started screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and at land border points with India. In Taiwan, health authorities have proposed classifying Nipah as a Category 5 disease, requiring immediate reporting and special control measures.

The nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal has triggered heightened vigilance across the region, despite limited confirmed cases and negative test results among contacts. With no vaccine or treatment available, health authorities in Asia are focusing on early detection and strict screening to prevent further spread of the nipah virus outbreak.