A sense of familiarity is returning to airports across Asia as health screenings reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic are being reinstated. This isn’t a response to a new coronavirus variant, but to a recent outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal, India. As of , Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have all heightened surveillance measures for travelers, particularly those arriving from affected regions.
The reintroduction of health checks includes thermal scanning for fever, symptom monitoring, and the distribution of health advisory cards to passengers. These measures, adapted from protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic, aim to quickly identify potentially infected individuals and prevent the international spread of this potentially deadly virus.
According to reports from Indian health officials, two cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed in West Bengal since December 2025, with five suspected cases identified in recent weeks. While the number of confirmed cases remains relatively low, the potential severity of the virus and the lack of specific treatments have prompted a cautious response from neighboring countries. Indian authorities have traced and tested 196 contacts of the confirmed cases, with all tests returning negative as of Tuesday, but surveillance remains constant.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has increased health screening at major airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket – for passengers arriving from West Bengal. Passengers are being checked for fever and related symptoms, and are receiving “beware” cards outlining actions to take if they develop illness. Officials have also increased cleaning and disease-control preparedness at Phuket International Airport, which receives a daily direct flight from Kolkata in West Bengal operated by Indigo airline. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that, while no domestic cases have been recorded, surveillance levels will remain high.
Nepal has also intensified screening at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and key land border crossings with India. Indonesia has added health declarations for some passengers and is conducting visual checks for illness.
The concern surrounding Nipah virus stems from its high fatality rate and the limited medical options available. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the case fatality rate to be between 40% and 75%, although this can vary depending on the specific outbreak and quality of care. Critically, there are currently no approved drugs or vaccines specifically targeting Nipah virus infection. Treatment is largely supportive, focusing on managing symptoms such as fever, seizures, and respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of Nipah virus infection are often non-specific, including fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for common illnesses like the flu, making early detection challenging. However, the disease can progress rapidly to more severe neurological complications, such as encephalitis, and respiratory problems, potentially leading to coma within 24 to 48 hours in severe cases.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it originates in animals and can be transmitted to humans. The virus spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and direct human-to-human contact. Fruit bats can shed the virus in their saliva and urine, contaminating food sources. Consumption of contaminated fruit, particularly raw date palm sap, is a known risk factor in parts of South Asia. Close contact with an infected person, particularly through respiratory droplets, can also transmit the virus.
The incubation period for Nipah virus typically ranges from 4 to 14 days, but can be as long as 45 days, meaning an infected individual may pass through initial screening measures symptom-free before becoming ill. This underscores the importance of self-monitoring and prompt medical attention for anyone experiencing symptoms after traveling to or from affected areas.
Researchers are actively working to develop countermeasures against Nipah virus. A recent gathering of scientists in Australia highlighted the “poverty of medical countermeasures” and emphasized the need for increased investment in vaccine development. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is currently investing up to $100 million in four vaccine candidates.
While the risk to tourists visiting endemic countries is considered low if standard precautions are followed, health officials emphasize the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding consumption of potentially contaminated food products. Promptly seeking medical care and informing healthcare providers of recent travel history is crucial for early diagnosis and management of any suspected cases. Airport measures are designed to provide an initial layer of protection, but ultimately rely on the cooperation of travelers and the vigilance of healthcare systems.
