Three international airports across Asia have initiated screening measures for arrivals from India, as authorities respond to a concerning outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in the West Bengal province. The Indian Ministry of Health has confirmed two cases of the virus and tested 196 close contacts, all of whom have been found asymptomatic and negative for Nipah.
International Precautions Implemented
While the disease remains confined to India, neighbouring countries have swiftly launched precautionary protocols to prevent its cross-border transmission. In Thailand, passengers arriving on flights from West Bengal at Bangkok airports are required to complete health declarations and undergo screening upon arrival.
Similarly, Nepal is conducting screenings at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at land border crossings with India. Taiwan has escalated its response by classifying Nipah virus as a category five disease, indicating a major public health risk that necessitates special control measures.
Understanding the Nipah Virus Threat
The virus, named after the Nipah River in peninsular Malaysia where the first human case was identified in 1998, poses a significant health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation, many infected individuals may show no symptoms, but typical initial signs include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat.
In severe cases, the illness can progress to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological symptoms indicating acute encephalitis - inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis and seizures may occur in serious infections, potentially leading to coma within 24-48 hours.
Historical Outbreaks and Transmission Patterns
The initial 1998 outbreak affected pig farm workers and slaughterhouse employees in Malaysia, resulting in 265 infections and 108 fatalities. Authorities discovered the virus spread through infected pigs and contaminated tissues, leading to the culling of over one million pigs the following year to contain the disease.
Scientific research later identified fruit bats as the natural reservoir for Nipah virus, with domestic animals including horses, goats, sheep, cats, and dogs capable of contracting the illness and transmitting it to humans. Unprotected physical contact with infected people or animals should be strictly avoided, and any products potentially contaminated by bats must be properly disposed of.
Regional Impact and Mortality Rates
South and Southeast Asia have experienced multiple Nipah outbreaks, with Bangladesh reporting 261 confirmed cases and 199 deaths between 2001 and 2015 - representing a fatality rate exceeding 76 percent. A particularly severe outbreak occurred in Kerala, India during 2018, where 20 of 23 confirmed cases resulted in death, indicating a mortality rate approaching 90 percent.
Current Challenges and Global Response
The World Health Organisation has classified Nipah virus as a priority disease for research and development, yet significant challenges remain. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Nipah virus infection. The incubation period typically ranges from four to fourteen days, though cases have been documented with incubation periods as long as 45 days.
While the virus has not been officially detected in Australia, global health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The current screening measures at international airports represent proactive steps to contain the outbreak and prevent international spread, as health officials remain vigilant about this serious public health threat.
