The Nipah virus epidemic in West Bengal has led to screening measures at airports in Thailand and Nepal, where infections among healthcare workers have been reported.

A Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, has raised concerns in Asia, prompting Thailand and Nepal to implement screening measures for passengers arriving from this region. Five healthcare workers have been infected, and one is in critical condition, leading to the quarantine of approximately 110 people who had contact with them.

The Nipah virus, with a mortality rate between 40% and 75%, is transmitted from animals to humans and there are no vaccines or treatments available. Symptoms include fever, headache, and in severe cases, encephalitis. Previous outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India, with significant loss of life and economic impact. Currently, authorities in Thailand and Nepal are ramping up controls, and Taiwan is proposing to classify the Nipah virus as a category 5 disease to facilitate control measures.