In response to the confirmed Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal state, several Asian countries have ramped up health screenings at airports and border crossings, aiming to prevent potential cross-border transmission via air travel. The outbreak, which began in December 2025, has seen five confirmed cases, including infections among healthcare workers, all of which have raised significant alarm about the potential for the virus to spread globally. In light of these developments, authorities in Thailand, Nepal, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia have introduced enhanced measures to monitor travelers and protect public health.

The outbreak of Nipah in West Bengal has become a focal point for regional health concerns, prompting immediate action from neighboring countries that share close travel links with India. The threat of the virus spreading to other regions via international travelers has led to a rapid and coordinated response from health authorities, with measures designed to track travelers and ensure the virus does not enter their borders.

Thailand Increases Screening for Passengers from Kolkata

In Thailand, one of the first countries to implement enhanced health measures, authorities have already begun conducting additional screenings at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, and Phuket International Airport. With more than 700 passengers arriving daily from Kolkata, where the outbreak has been concentrated, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has emphasized the importance of health surveillance to prevent the virus from crossing borders.

The screenings at these airports include temperature checks and medical assessments, targeting travelers who show signs consistent with the virus, such as high fever. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of the Nipah virus are swiftly transferred to designated quarantine facilities where further tests are conducted. Despite this proactive approach, no Nipah infections have been detected in passengers arriving in Thailand so far. The government continues to encourage travelers from India to report symptoms if they develop after their arrival.

Additionally, Thailand has made self-monitoring a part of the health advisory. Passengers arriving from Kolkata have been advised to monitor their health for 21 days following their arrival and seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms, particularly respiratory issues or fever. The Thai Ministry of Public Health has stated that there are currently no recorded Nipah cases in the country, but it remains on high alert, reviewing ongoing screening protocols daily.

Nepal Implements Screening at Borders and Airports

Nepal has also introduced health screening measures for travelers arriving from India, particularly from Kolkata. At Tribhuvan International Airport and land border crossings, health teams have been deployed to screen incoming passengers for potential Nipah virus symptoms. These measures are designed to prevent cross-border transmission, with health authorities in Nepal staying in close communication with their Indian counterparts to track potential outbreaks.

Nepal’s proactive response is part of a wider effort to ensure that no individuals from areas affected by the virus are allowed entry without proper health checks. Airport staff and border health workers have been trained to identify symptoms and immediately isolate travelers suspected of being infected. Travelers are also advised to monitor their health for symptoms over a three-week period following their arrival.

Taiwan Prepares for Nipah Virus Containment with Enhanced Monitoring

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has outlined an extensive preparedness plan, proposing to classify the Nipah virus as a Category 5 notifiable disease, marking it as a serious emerging infection. This classification would require immediate reporting of any suspected cases and allow health authorities to implement special containment and control measures. The proposal, which is under public consultation for 60 days, reflects Taiwan’s serious approach to managing potential outbreaks.

In addition to this proposed classification, Taiwan has kept its Level 2 ‘yellow’ travel alert for Kerala in southwestern India, where the virus has also been detected. Travelers to the area are urged to exercise increased caution. The CDC has reinforced its monitoring systems and advised all travelers to remain vigilant about the potential spread of the virus, urging immediate medical consultation if symptoms develop after traveling to affected areas.

The Nipah Virus: A High-Risk Disease with a 75% Fatality Rate

Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, from person to person. The virus’s symptoms range from mild flu-like illnesses to more severe conditions like encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The fatality rate of Nipah virus infections can range from 40% to 75%, depending on the quality of the healthcare infrastructure and the timeliness of medical interventions.

Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah, making early detection and preventive measures like health screening even more critical in controlling its spread. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah’s ability to rapidly spread through human-to-human transmission adds an element of urgency to containment efforts, particularly in areas with dense populations and heavy air travel.

Coordinated Response to Prevent Further Spread

The health authorities in Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, along with other nations in the region, continue to work closely with Indian health officials to monitor the situation and ensure that the spread of the Nipah virus is kept in check. Enhanced traveler screenings, rapid response measures, and close collaboration between neighboring countries are all part of the larger effort to minimize the potential global health impact of this outbreak.

As countries across Asia adjust their travel protocols, early detection, health awareness, and effective public health responses remain key to preventing further infections. The cooperation between nations underscores the importance of global solidarity in managing outbreaks that transcend national borders.

Conclusion: Staying Vigilant and Safe Amidst Rising Health Concerns

As health experts monitor the evolving situation surrounding the Nipah virus outbreak in India, Asia’s proactive response is setting an important precedent for travel safety during global health crises. Enhanced screening measures at airports and borders are critical steps in preventing further spread, and travelers are urged to stay informed and follow official health advice.

The continuing vigilance by Thailand, Nepal, Taiwan, and other neighboring countries highlights the importance of coordinated public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the population. In this ongoing battle against emerging diseases, early detection, timely interventions, and international cooperation will remain essential in keeping the region safe.