TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, has triggered intensified surveillance across Asia, with several international airports implementing health screenings for arriving passengers.

However, WHO officials have noted that the source of infection is not yet fully understood. There remains a risk of further exposure, given that bat populations in parts of India and Bangladesh, including West Bengal, are known reservoirs for the virus.

“Community’s awareness of risk factors such as consumption of date palm sap needs to be strengthened,” an official stated, according to the Global Times.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various Asian health authorities have issued guidance for those traveling to or from affected regions. These protocols aim to prevent the broader spread of the infection.

The following are prevention guidelines for international travelers regarding the Nipah virus:

Before Traveling

As reported by Vn Express, travelers are advised to review and adhere to health guidelines issued by local authorities concerning safety, security, and travel restrictions at their destination. Regulations vary by country but generally include entry and exit requirements, health declarations, or airport screening procedures.

Travelers should also stay informed on outbreak updates, disease prevention advice, recommended vaccinations, and which airports are currently enforcing quarantine or surveillance measures.

While Abroad

The CDC maintains that the risk of Nipah virus infection remains very low for travelers who follow basic preventive measures. Key among these is maintaining rigorous personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and clean water and wearing a mask when necessary.

Additionally, travelers should avoid live bats or their habitats and refrain from touching surfaces that may be contaminated by them. All fruit should be washed and peeled before consumption; avoid fruit found on the ground or those showing signs of animal bites.

If handling sick animals or animal products is unavoidable, the use of gloves and protective equipment is essential.

After Returning

Travelers visiting family or friends upon their return may face a higher risk, depending on their level of exposure while abroad. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if any symptoms develop during the trip.

The incubation period for the Nipah virus typically spans from four to 21 days. Early symptoms often mimic the flu, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Some patients may develop respiratory issues such as a cough, shortness of breath, or pneumonia. In severe cases, complications like encephalitis can occur, marked by neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma within days or weeks.

Several Asian nations, including Thailand, Nepal, Singapore, and Vietnam, have moved to high alert. In Thailand, authorities at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, along with Phuket airport, have ramped up passenger screenings, particularly for those arriving from West Bengal, since Sunday, per the Bangkok Post.

Vietnam’s Disease Prevention Administration has also issued urgent directives to bolster surveillance and prevention efforts at border gates nationwide.

Singapore’s National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) has similarly heightened its vigilance. In a statement cited by Mothership.sg on Wednesday, February 28, 2026, the agency confirmed it has distributed health advisories at entry points and installed temperature scanners at airports for arrivals from affected areas.

Read: How Environmental Change, Human Behavior Fuel Nipah Virus Outbreaks

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