India has successfully contained a recent Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, where two cases were confirmed since December. Authorities have taken swift action, tracing and testing all identified contacts, with all coming up negative for the deadly virus.
The Indian Health Ministry reported that 196 contacts had been traced and tested for the Nipah virus, which has a fatality rate of between 40% to 75%, making it more deadly than COVID-19. The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary public health measures are in place.
Nipah, a zoonotic virus that spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human-to-human contact, has caused raging fevers, convulsions, and vomiting. There is no vaccine available for the virus, and treatment is limited to supportive care to control complications.
As news of the outbreak spread, several Asian countries have stepped up health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India. Indonesia and Thailand have increased screening at major airports, with thermal scanners being installed at arrival gates for direct flights from West Bengal at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The safety measures were introduced after early media reports suggested a surge in cases, but health authorities clarified that the figures were "speculative and incorrect." Myanmar has advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop within 14 days of travel.
Vietnam's Health Ministry has urged strict food safety practices, while China is strengthening disease prevention measures in border areas. The country has begun risk assessments, enhanced training for medical staff, and increased monitoring and testing capabilities.
Nipah outbreaks have been reported in West Bengal before, including in 2001 and 2007, with recent cases largely detected in southern Kerala state. A major outbreak in 2018 killed at least 17 people in Kerala.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with health authorities around the world taking a cautious approach to contain the spread of the virus.
The Indian Health Ministry reported that 196 contacts had been traced and tested for the Nipah virus, which has a fatality rate of between 40% to 75%, making it more deadly than COVID-19. The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary public health measures are in place.
Nipah, a zoonotic virus that spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human-to-human contact, has caused raging fevers, convulsions, and vomiting. There is no vaccine available for the virus, and treatment is limited to supportive care to control complications.
As news of the outbreak spread, several Asian countries have stepped up health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India. Indonesia and Thailand have increased screening at major airports, with thermal scanners being installed at arrival gates for direct flights from West Bengal at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The safety measures were introduced after early media reports suggested a surge in cases, but health authorities clarified that the figures were "speculative and incorrect." Myanmar has advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop within 14 days of travel.
Vietnam's Health Ministry has urged strict food safety practices, while China is strengthening disease prevention measures in border areas. The country has begun risk assessments, enhanced training for medical staff, and increased monitoring and testing capabilities.
Nipah outbreaks have been reported in West Bengal before, including in 2001 and 2007, with recent cases largely detected in southern Kerala state. A major outbreak in 2018 killed at least 17 people in Kerala.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with health authorities around the world taking a cautious approach to contain the spread of the virus.