Two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus in India have prompted a wave of precautionary measures across Asia, with authorities in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia enhancing airport screenings to curb the potential spread of the infection. The virus, primarily carried by fruit bats and animals like pigs, poses a significant health risk due to its high fatality rate, ranging from 40 to 75 percent.
The infections were identified in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal in late December, involving two health workers who are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. According to the Indian health ministry, 196 contacts linked to these cases have been traced, with all testing negative for the virus.
Regional Response to Nipah Virus
In response to the confirmed cases in India, neighboring countries have swiftly implemented preventive measures. Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency announced the introduction of temperature screenings at its airport for passengers arriving from affected areas. “We are also reaching out to our counterparts in South Asia to better understand the situation,” the agency stated.
Similarly, Hong Kong has enhanced health screening protocols at its international airport, including temperature checks for passengers arriving from India. Meanwhile, Thailand has designated specific parking bays for aircraft from Nipah-affected regions, requiring passengers to complete health declarations before proceeding through immigration. Malaysia, too, has bolstered its preparedness through rigorous health screenings at entry points.
Nepal on High Alert
Nepal, sharing a busy border with India, has declared a “high alert” status, tightening its screening procedures for travelers. The proactive measures underscore the region’s collective effort to prevent the virus from crossing borders.
Understanding Nipah Virus
First identified over 25 years ago during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, Nipah virus is believed to have circulated in flying foxes, or fruit bats, for millennia. The World Health Organization classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its high fatality rate and the absence of licensed vaccines or treatments.
India has experienced sporadic outbreaks, particularly in Kerala, a state recognized as a high-risk region for Nipah. Since its emergence there in 2018, the virus has been linked to numerous fatalities. Globally, 750 confirmed infections have resulted in 415 deaths as of December 2025, according to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
Expert Insights and Future Implications
Despite the alarming nature of the virus, experts maintain that the risk to the general population remains low. “While vigilance is warranted, there is no evidence to suggest a broader public health threat at this stage,” said Efstathios Giotis, a lecturer in molecular virology at the University of Essex.
Efforts to develop a vaccine are ongoing, with several candidates undergoing testing. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is funding a trial aimed at halting the virus’s spread.
“Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were undertaken … which ensured timely containment of the cases,” the Indian health ministry emphasized.
The recent cases in West Bengal mark the state’s first encounter with Nipah in nearly two decades, following a cluster of fatal infections in 2007. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on preventing further transmission and safeguarding public health.
As the global community remains vigilant, the response to the Nipah virus outbreak in India serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in addressing emerging infectious diseases.
