Indian health authorities have successfully contained a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal state after confirming two cases detected since December, while multiple Asian nations implemented enhanced health screenings for travelers arriving from India.
The Indian Health Ministry reported Tuesday that all 196 identified contacts linked to the two confirmed cases have been quarantined and tested negative for the virus. While patient details remain undisclosed, officials emphasized that the situation remains under constant surveillance with comprehensive public health measures actively maintained.
Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen first identified during 1990s outbreaks in Malaysia, transmits through fruit bats, pigs, and direct human-to-human contact. The World Health Organization estimates the virus’s fatality rate between 40-75%, significantly higher than coronavirus, with no available vaccine or specific treatment beyond supportive care to manage symptoms including severe fevers, convulsions, and vomiting.
Despite no reported cases outside India, several Asian countries have implemented precautionary measures. Thailand installed thermal scanners at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport specifically for direct flights from West Bengal, while Indonesia enhanced health declarations, temperature checks, and visual monitoring at major airports.
Myanmar’s Health Ministry advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and intensified fever surveillance systems originally established during COVID-19. Vietnam directed local authorities to strengthen border monitoring and food safety practices, while China initiated risk assessments and enhanced medical staff training in border regions.
West Bengal experienced previous Nipah outbreaks in 2001 and 2007, though recent cases have primarily emerged in Kerala state, where a 2018 outbreak resulted in at least 17 fatalities.