Deadly Nipah Virus Emerges in India, Prompting Airport Screenings

A dangerous Nipah virus outbreak in India's West Bengal region is fueling pandemic concerns across Asia. Five cases have been confirmed, including healthcare workers, prompting neighboring countries to enhance airport screenings. This rare, bat-borne virus has a high fatality rate, between 40% and 75%, and no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists.

Nipah virus can spread from animals to humans and, in some instances, between people. Symptoms range from flu-like illness to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis. In response to the outbreak, Thailand has initiated health screenings at major airports for passengers arriving from West Bengal, while Nepal has raised alert levels at its airport and land borders. Taiwan is considering classifying Nipah as a high-risk emerging infection.