Nipah Virus Scare: Asia Tightens Airport Screenings Amidst India Outbreak

Last Updated: January 29, 2026By Melbourne Businesses

An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India has prompted heightened alert and increased screening measures at international airports across several Asian countries. While the confirmed cases remain confined to India’s West Bengal province, neighbouring nations are taking precautionary steps to prevent potential cross-border transmission of the highly fatal virus.

Key Takeaways

Two cases of Nipah virus confirmed in India’s West Bengal.
Nearly 200 contacts traced and tested negative.
Several Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have implemented enhanced airport screening.
Nipah virus has a high fatality rate (40-75%) and no vaccine or specific treatment.

Heightened Airport Screenings Across Asia

Following the confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal province, several Asian nations have ramped up their surveillance and screening protocols at international airports. Thailand has initiated health declarations and screenings for passengers arriving on flights from West Bengal at major airports like Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Nepal has also implemented screening measures for arrivals at Kathmandu airport and along its land borders with India. Singapore and Hong Kong have similarly introduced temperature checks and enhanced health screening for travellers arriving from affected areas in India.

Understanding the Nipah Virus

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Its natural hosts are fruit bats, but it can also infect intermediate hosts like pigs, and then transmit to humans. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. The virus has a significant fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%, and can cause severe neurological illness, including encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Past Outbreaks and Current Situation

Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998, leading to a significant outbreak among pig farmers. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in various South and Southeast Asian countries, including Bangladesh and India. India has experienced outbreaks in West Bengal and the southern state of Kerala. In the current situation, Indian health authorities have confirmed two cases in West Bengal and have traced and tested 196 contacts, all of whom have tested negative and remain asymptomatic. The situation is under constant monitoring, with public health measures in place.

Prevention and Travel Advice

As there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus, prevention relies heavily on avoiding contact with infected animals and contaminated food. Travellers to affected regions are advised to avoid contact with fruit bats and pigs, refrain from consuming fruit that appears to be partially eaten by animals, and ensure all fruits are cleaned and peeled. Drinking boiled date-palm sap is recommended over raw sap. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, are also crucial. Australians travelling to affected areas are urged to consult the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice.