Nipah Virus Scare in India: Airport Screenings Rise After Two Cases in West Bengal

• Two confirmed Nipah virus cases reported in West Bengal since December, prompting Union Health Ministry to issue alert.
• Ministry clarifies that 196 contacts of confirmed cases were traced, monitored, and tested negative, with no new cases reported.
• Asian countries like Thailand and Nepal have increased airport screenings for passengers arriving from India.
• Nipah virus spreads from animals (pigs, bats) to humans, and human-to-human transmission is also possible.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and can progress to severe conditions like encephalitis; no vaccine or specific treatment exists.

Why It Matters: Two Nipah cases in West Bengal lead to increased airport screenings in Asia; public advised to rely on official information.