THAILAND, Jan 27:  Health authorities in several Asian countries have launched COVID-style precautions at airports following an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India, which carries a fatality rate of 40-75% and currently has no approved treatment.

The outbreak, first confirmed in early January, has affected five people in West Bengal, including two nurses at a private hospital. Narayan Swaroop Nigam, principal secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, said one of the nurses remains in critical condition. The two were on duty between December 28 and 30 and were admitted to intensive care on January 4 after falling ill.

Around 100 people were being quarantined as of January 26, according to reports. In response, Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have reinforced airport screening measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures include temperature checks, masking, physical distancing, and the transfer of symptomatic travelers to quarantine facilities. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control confirmed that travelers showing signs of infection are being closely monitored and screened at international checkpoints.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen, transmitted from animals, particularly fruit bats and pigs, to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. The virus initially causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, and sore throat. Severe cases can develop neurological complications such as encephalitis, seizures, confusion, drowsiness, and coma, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. Respiratory symptoms, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress, can also occur.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Nipah infections range from asymptomatic cases to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The high mortality rate and lack of vaccines or approved treatments make the outbreak a significant public health concern.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, report symptoms promptly, and follow all advisories issued by local health departments to prevent further spread of the virus.