An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India's West Bengal state has sparked concern in parts of Asia, with some tightening screening measures at airports.
Thailand has started screening passengers at three airports that receive flights from West Bengal. Nepal has also begun screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India.
Five healthcare workers in West Bengal were infected by the virus early this month, one of whom is in a critical condition. Some 110 people who were in contact with them have been quarantined.
The virus can spread from animals to humans. It has a high death rate – between 40% to 75% – as there is no vaccine or specific treatment available.
What is the Nipah virus and what are its symptoms?
The Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans and can also be spread person-to-person through contaminated food.
The World Health Organization has ranked Nipah among its top ten priority diseases due to its epidemic potential.
The incubation period for Nipah virus ranges from four to 14 days, with symptoms that may include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat, potentially leading to severe neurological issues.
Where were the past outbreaks?
The first recognized Nipah outbreak occurred in 1998 among pig farmers in Malaysia. It has since caused outbreaks in Bangladesh and several cases reported in India.
What is happening now?
Currently, five confirmed cases have been linked to a private hospital in Barasat, West Bengal. Amidst ongoing healthcare responses, international travel precautions are being enforced, with Thailand instituting rigorous screenings at its airports for flights from the affected regions. As preventive actions are undertaken by neighboring countries, health officials remain vigilant to contain any potential outbreak.
Additional reporting by BBC Thai
