New Delhi: India is closely monitoring the Nipah virus situation after confirming two infections in West Bengal since December, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday, even as several Southeast Asian countries stepped up surveillance of international air travellers.
The clarification from India came a day after Thailand announced stricter airport screening measures, followed by similar steps from Malaysia. In a statement, the health ministry cautioned against the circulation of “speculative and incorrect figures” regarding Nipah infections and confirmed that only two cases have been reported so far.
The ministry said authorities have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two patients. All identified contacts remain asymptomatic and have tested negative for the virus, indicating no further spread at this stage.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s health ministry said it has implemented enhanced screening protocols at airports, including assigning designated parking bays for aircraft arriving from regions reporting Nipah cases. Passengers from such flights are also required to submit health declarations before immigration clearance.
Malaysia has also intensified preparedness measures, with health screenings being strengthened at international ports of entry, particularly for travellers arriving from countries considered at risk. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Malaysia’s health ministry said it remains alert to the possibility of cross-border transmission following sporadic Nipah infections reported in other countries.
The World Health Organization has classified Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential. The virus has a high fatality rate, estimated between 40 and 75 per cent, and currently has neither a licensed vaccine nor a specific trea
tment.
