Airports across parts of Asia have tightened health surveillance and travel screening similar to measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, following a new outbreak of the Nipah virus in eastern India, prompting regional authorities to step up precautionary measures against the potentially deadly disease.

The response comes after five cases of Nipah virus were confirmed in India’s West Bengal, where around 100 people have been quarantined after the virus was detected in a hospital. Health officials said a doctor, a nurse and another staff member tested positive after two initial cases involving a male and female nurse from the same district, raising concerns about possible person-to-person transmission in a clinical setting.

Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan are among the countries that have increased monitoring of travellers arriving from India. Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from infected animals such as bats and pigs to humans, and in some cases through close contact between people.

The World Health Organisation classifies it as a priority pathogen because of its potential to spark an epidemic.

In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health has introduced enhanced health screening at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports, particularly for passengers arriving from West Bengal.

Travellers are being checked for fever and other symptoms linked to Nipah infection, while health “beware” cards are being issued with guidance on what to do if illness develops after arrival.

Cleaning and disease-control measures have also been intensified at Phuket International Airport, which receives a daily direct flight from Kolkata.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said no Nipah cases have been detected domestically but stressed that surveillance would remain high.

Authorities have warned that any passengers displaying concerning symptoms will be transferred to quarantine facilities.

Additional monitoring has also been ordered in caves and natural tourist areas, with officials urging visitors not to hunt, forage or consume wild food.

Nepal has raised alert levels and strengthened screening at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at major land border crossings with India.

Health desks have been established to identify suspected cases, while hospitals and border health posts have been instructed to report symptoms immediately. Officials acknowledged the challenge posed by open borders and frequent travel from neighbouring Indian states.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is planning to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease, the highest level for emerging infections under local law.

The proposal, which will undergo a 60-day public consultation, would require immediate reporting and strict control measures if cases are detected. Taiwan is also maintaining a Level 2 travel alert for parts of India.

Nipah virus can cause symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respiratory illness and brain inflammation. Fatality rates in past outbreaks have ranged from 40 to 75%, raising concerns among health authorities as monitoring continues across the region.