Nipah bat-borne virus outbreak prompts renewed airport screening across Asia

An outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal has infected several healthcare workers and led to quarantines and enhanced airport screening in parts of Asia.

Nipah virus cases have been reported in West Bengal, India, and the outbreak has prompted heightened screening and responses across parts of Asia. At least five healthcare workers were infected earlier this month, and one patient is reported to be in a critical condition. Around 110 people who had contact with the infected patients have been quarantined as a precaution. The virus is watched closely because it can pass from animals to humans and has been reported to spread between people in some outbreaks, and there is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. Known details: - At least five healthcare workers were infected in West Bengal; one patient is reported to be in critical condition. - Around 110 people who came into contact with the infected patients have been quarantined as a precaution. - Nipah is a zoonotic virus linked to fruit bats and, in past outbreaks, to pigs or contaminated food products; it can cause severe respiratory and neurological illness and has no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. - Thailand and Nepal have tightened screening at airports and border points, and Taiwan has proposed classifying Nipah as a high-risk Category 5 disease; investigations of a suspected index case at the linked hospital are ongoing. Summary: Officials report that the outbreak in West Bengal involved infections among healthcare workers and has prompted regional quarantine and screening measures. Investigations of the suspected index case are under way and some authorities are considering formal disease classification or additional controls. Further procedural decisions are being made by regional health agencies. Undetermined at this time.