Thailand has stepped up health surveillance at major airports after India confirmed two cases of the deadly Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal, amid heightened regional concern over possible cross-border spread.
India’s Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that only two confirmed cases have been recorded since December, both involving healthcare workers, and no additional infections have been detected. A total of 196 identified contacts were traced, monitored and tested, all of whom were asymptomatic and negative for the virus, the ministry said.
Despite initial reports suggesting more cases, Indian authorities said enhanced surveillance and coordinated action by central and state health agencies have helped contain the outbreak.
In response, Thailand has reintroduced Covid-era screening measures at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports, focusing on passengers arriving from West Bengal. Health officials said around 1,700 travellers have been screened so far, with no infections detected. Suspected cases would be quarantined, with test results available within hours, authorities added.
Similar measures have been introduced in Nepal and Taiwan, while Myanmar advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal. Taiwan plans to classify Nipah as a top-tier notifiable disease, requiring immediate reporting and strict control measures.
The World Health Organization classifies Nipah as a high-risk pathogen with no vaccine or cure. While human transmission is rare, health authorities across Asia say surveillance will remain in place as the situation in India continues to be closely monitored.
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