Nipah virus outbreak in India triggers Asia airport screenings

An outbreak of the dangerous Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, has raised alarms in various parts of Asia, leading to stricter airport screening measures. Thailand has begun screening travelers at three airports that handle flights from West Bengal. Similarly, Nepal has implemented screenings for arrivals at Kathmandu airport and at several land border points with India. Earlier this month, five healthcare workers in West Bengal tested positive for the virus, with one in critical condition. Around 110 individuals who had contact with these workers are now in quarantine. The Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals, such as pigs and fruit bats, to humans and can also spread between people through contaminated food. It has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%, and currently, there is no vaccine or cure available. The World Health Organization has listed Nipah among its top ten priority diseases, alongside threats like Covid-19 and Zika, due to its potential to cause an epidemic. The incubation period for the virus can last from four to 14 days. Symptoms of the virus can vary widely, and some people may not show any symptoms at all.