Thailand Implements Rigorous Airport Screening After Nipah Virus Emerges in India
Thailand has significantly enhanced its health surveillance protocols at major international airports in response to a concerning Nipah virus outbreak in India. Public health authorities have screened approximately 1,700 incoming travellers, with no infections identified to date. The Ministry of Public Health confirmed that these precautionary measures specifically target passengers arriving from the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, which serves as the epicentre of the current outbreak.
Focused Surveillance at Key Entry Points
The screening operations are concentrated at Thailand's primary aviation hubs, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports. These locations receive nearly 700 travellers daily on flights originating from Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat stated that the enhanced measures were implemented following direct instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with airport screening teams deployed in the latter part of last week.
Minister Phatthana emphasised close coordination with Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside airport operators, to ensure comprehensive execution of all checks. He outlined a clear protocol for potential cases, noting, "If there's a suspected case at an airport, the person will be quarantined and the results of a relevant test will be known in eight hours." Health officials have expressed considerable confidence that these measures provide sufficient protection against an outbreak within Thailand.
Understanding Nipah Virus Transmission Risks
Minister Phatthana provided crucial context regarding transmission dynamics, distinguishing Nipah from more familiar pathogens. He explained, "The transmission of Nipah virus is not like that of Covid. Even though they may be asymptomatic, Covid-infected people can transmit the virus. For Nipah, infected people will not transmit it as long as they do not have any symptoms." This characteristic significantly reduces the likelihood of transmission to fellow passengers during flights, offering reassurance amidst heightened vigilance.
Thailand maintains a clean record regarding Nipah, having never reported a domestic infection. The virus first emerged in Southeast Asia during outbreaks in Malaysia and Singapore between 1998 and 1999, primarily affecting pig farm workers and those in close contact with livestock. Subsequent human outbreaks in India and Bangladesh have been strongly associated with consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by fruit bats, which serve as the virus's natural reservoir.
Regional Responses and Public Reassurance
Thai authorities have also addressed public concerns following sightings of flying foxes—animals known to host the virus—in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Officials clarified that there is no evidence linking these sightings to any infections within Thailand. Meanwhile, regional neighbours are implementing their own precautionary measures. Nepal has introduced screening for arrivals at Kathmandu airport and land border crossings, while Hong Kong health experts advise against travel to West Bengal.
Hong Kong classifies Nipah as one of 53 notifiable infectious diseases, prompting authorities to monitor developments closely while advocating for caution rather than alarm. Leaders of Hong Kong's Bengali community anticipate some disruption to travel plans but stress the situation does not warrant panic. Vishal Melwani, Vice-President of the India Association Hong Kong, noted, "There is a large and thriving Bengali community in Hong Kong. Those who are planning trips might postpone them until they see what the situation is."
In Taiwan, health officials have proposed classifying Nipah as a "Category 5 disease," a designation reserved for rare or emerging infections that pose major public health risks and require immediate reporting alongside special control measures. This regional coordination underscores the seriousness with which health authorities are treating the potential threat, even as current screenings in Thailand yield negative results.
