After cases of Nipah virus infection were confirmed in West Bengal, India, health agencies of many Asian countries have come on high alert. According to latest reports, five cases have been confirmed so far, while around 100 people have been kept in precautionary quarantine. All these people had come in direct contact with infected patients. Of particular concern is that many cases are reportedly linked to hospital-acquired infections, putting the healthcare system at increased risk.
The case fatality rate of Nipah virus is very high, which is estimated between 40 to 75 percent. This makes it much more deadly than COVID-19. However, the good news is that it is not considered highly contagious at this time. Unlike COVID-19, it is not an airborne virus. Nipah infection is usually spread through contact with infected bats, eating contaminated food, or coming in very close contact with an infected person. Such cases have been seen particularly in infected families with prolonged contact and in healthcare settings.
Why are concerns increasing?
The incubation period of this virus is usually 5 to 14 days, although in some rare cases it can extend up to 21 days. This period is similar to that of COVID-19. Due to its low transmissibility, strict measures such as city-wide lockdowns have not yet been needed, but reports of new cases from China and surrounding countries have raised concerns among health officials, especially with international travel increasing during the New Year.
Surveillance increased at airports and borders
Many Asian countries have once again implemented travel screening and health monitoring. Thailand has started screening passengers coming from West Bengal and surrounding areas at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket International Airport. Temperature checks and scanning of health documents are being done from January 25, 2026. According to the Thai Department of Disease Control, the passengers are fully cooperating. Similarly, Nepal has started strict screening at Tribhuvan International Airport and its land border with India. According to media reports, countries like Nepal and Taiwan have also made thermal screening and health checks mandatory for travelers coming from affected areas.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans. It is spread mainly by bats and pigs that eat fruits. Infection can also occur through contaminated food and, in some cases, can spread through person-to-person contact. WHO has included Nipah virus in the list of diseases that can create a serious public health crisis. Its initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may develop pneumonia, coma, or encephalitis, which can be fatal. At present, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Nipah virus.
