An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India's West Bengal state has sparked concern in parts of Asia, with some tightening screening measures at airports.
Thailand has started screening passengers at three airports that receive flights from West Bengal. Nepal has also begun screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India.
Five healthcare workers in West Bengal were infected by the virus early this month, one of whom is in critical condition. Some 110 people who were in contact with them have been quarantined.
The virus can spread from animals to humans. It has a high death range – ranging from 40% to 75% – as there is no vaccine or medicine to treat it.
What is the Nipah virus and what are its symptoms?
The Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals, like pigs and fruit bats, to humans. It can also spread person-to-person through contaminated food.
The World Health Organization has described Nipah in its top ten priority diseases, along with pathogens like Covid-19 and Zika, because of its potential to trigger an epidemic.
The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days.
People who contract the virus show a wide range of symptoms, or sometimes, none at all. Initial symptoms may include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. In severe cases, encephalitis may occur.
To date, no drugs of vaccines have been approved to treat the disease.
Where were the past outbreaks?
The first recognized Nipah outbreak was in 1998 among pig farmers in Malaysia. Bangladesh has had ongoing issues, with over 100 deaths since 2001. The virus has also been linked to outbreaks in India, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala.
What is happening now?
Currently, at least five confirmed cases were reported in West Bengal linked to a private hospital. Authorities have started extensive screening efforts at airports in Thailand and Nepal to prevent any potential spread of the virus. Taiwan has also proposed classifying the Nipah virus as a Category 5 disease under its public health system.
