- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus in India has put health authorities across Asia on alert, prompting several countries to tighten airport screening measures amid concerns over the virus’s high fatality rate and the absence of a definitive cure. The outbreak has also drawn attention in China ahead of the Lunar New Year travel rush, when millions are expected to travel domestically and internationally.
China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged “heightened vigilance” against imported infectious diseases during the peak travel season, known as chunyun, which runs from February 2 to March 13, according to the South China Morning Post. While Chinese experts say widespread transmission is unlikely, concerns persist due to the virus’s deadly nature.
Thailand, Nepal Introduce Airport Screening
Thailand has begun screening passengers at three international airports in Bangkok and Phuket that receive flights from West Bengal. Nepal has also started screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and major land border crossings with India. Passengers arriving from affected regions are being asked to submit health declarations.
Healthcare Workers Among Infected In West Bengal
In West Bengal, at least five healthcare workers were infected earlier this month, all linked to a private hospital in Barasat. One of them remains in critical condition. Around 110 people who came into contact with the infected individuals have been quarantined, according to state health officials.
What Is Nipah Virus?
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals, particularly fruit bats and pigs, to humans. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact or contaminated food. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Nipah among its top ten priority diseases due to its epidemic potential.
Symptoms, Incubation Period And Fatality Rate
The incubation period typically ranges from four to 14 days, though symptoms may appear as late as 45 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may develop pneumonia, altered consciousness and encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain.
Nipah carries a mortality rate of between 40 per cent and 75 per cent, depending on the outbreak and healthcare response.
Currently, there are no approved drugs or vaccines to treat Nipah virus infection. Treatment remains limited to supportive care, including intensive monitoring and management of complications. Although no cases have been reported outside India so far, health authorities across Asia continue to monitor the situation closely as cross-border travel increases.