Countries Tighten Safety Measures After New Nipah Virus Cases

After new cases of the Nipah virus were identified, several countries have moved quickly to strengthen health precautions in an effort to avoid a broader public health emergency.

In the post-COVID era, governments are far more sensitive to early warning signs of infectious disease outbreaks. That heightened awareness helps explain why multiple Asian nations have recently updated health and travel protocols. India has confirmed at least two Nipah virus infections in West Bengal since December.

The confirmed cases involved two nurses who worked together at the same hospital between December 28 and December 30. Both later fell ill and were admitted to intensive care on January 4. Public health officials have since launched contact-tracing operations and are closely monitoring individuals who may have been exposed, aiming to stop any further spread.

Nipah virus is a severe zoonotic illness, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Fatality rates have been reported between 40 and 75 percent. Although the virus has been known for years, there is still no specific antiviral treatment or cure. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting vital functions. Because of this, prevention, early detection, and strict infection-control measures remain the most effective tools for limiting outbreaks.

In response to the situation, Nepal, Thailand, and Taiwan have introduced stricter screening and safety measures at airports, particularly for travelers arriving from regions considered higher risk. These steps closely resemble the protocols used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New measures include mandatory health declaration forms, temperature checks, and medical clearance requirements for travelers showing fever or respiratory symptoms. Some airports have also prepared isolation rooms, set up designated screening areas, and adjusted baggage-handling processes to reduce the risk of exposure.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, for example, has reinforced health screenings similar to those implemented during COVID-19, according to airport officials.

A medical expert with firsthand experience handling a Nipah outbreak has emphasized the importance of acting early.
Dr. Seethu Ponnu Thampi, a community medicine specialist and assistant surgeon with Kerala’s Health Service Department, encountered a Nipah outbreak during her medical training in Kozhikode in 2018. She recently shared insights on effective containment strategies.

Speaking to The National, Dr. Thampi stressed that stopping transmission is the central goal.

“That means preventing the virus from passing from bats to humans, and then from humans to other humans,” she explained.

She noted that Nipah is a zoonotic disease primarily carried by fruit-eating bats, which serve as the main reservoir host. According to her, reducing all possible pathways that allow the virus to move from bats to people is essential.

Dr. Thampi also warned that healthcare workers face particularly high risk.

“Medical personnel are especially vulnerable because they work closely with symptomatic patients and often perform aerosol-generating procedures like intubation,” she said. “Those situations significantly raise the chance of transmission.”

She added that while the risk of spread during the early incubation period appears lower, caution is still necessary. In regions where cases have been reported, she advised avoiding areas with dense vegetation where fruit bats commonly gather and following public health guidance carefully.

Health authorities continue to emphasize that public awareness, rapid response, and strict adherence to infection-control practices are critical to preventing the virus from spreading further.