New Delhi, India. Authorities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia have introduced screening measures to prevent the Nipah virus from spreading beyond India after two infections were confirmed in late December. The World Health Organization classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its outbreak potential, high fatality rate, and lack of an approved vaccine or cure.
Virus risk and transmission
Nipah has a fatality rate of 40% to 75% and is considered epidemic-prone. The virus is carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs and can cause a deadly brain-swelling fever in humans. It can also spread from person to person through close contact, and while several vaccines are in development, they remain in testing.
Cases in India and response measures
The two infections were detected in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, with a district health officer telling Reuters that both patients are health workers and are under treatment at a local hospital. India’s health ministry said it identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two cases, with none showing symptoms and all testing negative.
Government statement on containment
India’s health ministry said late on Tuesday that “speculative and incorrect figures regarding Nipah virus disease cases are being circulated,” adding that enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing and field investigations ensured timely containment of the cases.
Regional alerts and screening steps
Reports of the infections put authorities on alert in neighbouring Southeast Asian nations as well as Nepal and Hong Kong. Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency said on Wednesday it will set up temperature screening at its airport for flights arriving from areas affected by the infections in India.
Additional measures in Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower said it is stepping up surveillance over newly arrived migrant workers from South Asia and engaging primary care providers to increase vigilance.
What measures are being introduced in your area to detect and contain potential Nipah virus cases?