Airports across Asia have heightened screening measures following a Nipah virus outbreak in India, with health authorities in the UAE urging travellers to remain cautious.
The Nipah virus, which currently has no cure, can be fatal, though experts emphasize that the risk to travellers visiting or leaving affected areas remains low. Despite this, countries including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have increased health surveillance and travel screening after five confirmed cases emerged in West Bengal.
The outbreak has prompted around 100 people to be quarantined, including three nurses at a private hospital in Barasat near Kolkata. Nipah is a zoonotic infection transmitted from animals to humans, often through contaminated food - a suspected source of the recent cases.
The virus attacks the brain and brainstem, causing inflammation and potentially damaging the lungs and nervous system. The World Health Organization estimates a case fatality rate between 40% and 75%.
Dr Sagar Kawale, consultant neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai, stressed that the overall risk for travellers is low. “Unless you have close contact with an infected person or are in a high-risk environment such as a healthcare setting, the likelihood of infection is minimal,” he said.
Early symptoms of Nipah are often similar to other viral illnesses, including fever, headache, and body aches, but neurological warning signs - such as confusion, unusual behavior, excessive sleepiness, seizures, difficulty speaking, imbalance, or reduced consciousness - require urgent medical attention.
Dr Kawale advised travellers to reduce exposure by avoiding close contact with unwell individuals, practicing good hand hygiene, and steering clear of potentially contaminated fruits. Those visiting outbreak areas should avoid hospitals unless necessary, and healthcare travellers must adhere to strict protective measures, including masks and gloves.
“If illness develops, travellers should seek immediate medical attention, refrain from further travel, and inform doctors about recent travel and potential Nipah exposure to ensure proper isolation precautions,” he added.
While Nipah remains rare, awareness is crucial because the condition can progress rapidly. A simple rule to remember: fever accompanied by confusion, drowsiness, or seizures demands urgent evaluation.
