Covid-19 temperature checks in Bangkok airport. Photo Credit: AdobeStock/Pavel V.Khon
Health officials have confirmed multiple Nipah virus infections in India’s West Bengal state, including cases linked to hospital transmission, prompting heightened monitoring in at some airports and border points.
At press time, about five cases have been confirmed, and roughly 100 close contacts have been quarantined in an effort to contain the outbreak.
Ghost of Covid-19?
While Nipah’s case fatality rate is estimated in the 40–75% range. multifold higher than Covid-19’s, it is not currently considered to be highly transmissible.
Unlike Covid-19, it is not believed to spread through airborne exposure. Infections are linked to contact with infected fruit bats or contaminated food, while human-to-human transmission has been observed largely in households and healthcare settings, where prolonged exposure to bodily fluids or respiratory secretions occurs.
The incubation period – usually five to 14 days, and up to 21 days in rare cases – is simiar to that of Covid-19.
Destination response
Across Asia, travel screenings and surveillance and an air of caution are resurfacing, reminiscent of early Covid-19 responses:
Thailand has activated enhanced health checks at major airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket) for passengers arriving from West Bengal and nearby regions, including temperature checks and health documentation.
Nepal has similarly strengthened entry screenings at Tribhuvan International Airport and land borders with India to manage cross-border flow.
Taiwan is moving to classify Nipah as a Category 5 notifiable disease, requiring mandatory reporting and stringent control measures as a precaution.
Meanwhile, Vietnam is reportedly intensifying surveillance at ports of entry and urges travellers from outbreak areas to self-monitor for symptoms.
Reports also highlight public anxiety ahead of the Lunar New Year travel rush, with millions expected to be on the move.
What now?
No official advisory or ban has been issued at press time, but post-travel self-monitoring and health declarations can be expected.
With the situation evolving, travel and event industry may monitor official travel notices from health ministries and international agencies, look out for the latest guidelines, and advise clients to be prepared for temperature or health screenings at key gateways.