Nipah Virus Outbreak: Asian Airports Tighten Screening Amid No Cure Disease Threat

• Asian airports, including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, have reintroduced Covid-era health screening measures due to Nipah virus infections reported in India.
• The current outbreak in India began with five health workers in West Bengal, with an investigation underway for 100-200 exposed individuals.
• Nipah is a highly dangerous zoonotic virus, primarily spread by fruit bats, with a fatality rate of 40-75% and no specific cure or vaccine.
• Transmission occurs through contaminated food (e.g., partially eaten fruits, raw date palm sap), direct contact with infected animals (pigs), and human-to-human contact.
• Prevention involves avoiding fallen fruits, raw date palm sap, washing fruits thoroughly, and strict infection control, especially for healthcare workers.

Why It Matters: Nipah virus, a deadly zoonotic disease with no cure, prompts tightened airport screenings across Asia.