Nipah virus

India is on high alert as a virus outbreak prompts health screenings at airports.

Following an outbreak in India, airports across Asia have begun screening for the Nipah virus, and UAE doctors advise travelers to remain vigilant. Experts stated that although the incurable Nipah virus can be fatal, there are still low risks for travelers traveling to and from areas with reported cases. Despite this, Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have increased travel health screening and surveillance following the discovery of five confirmed cases in West Bengal. Nipah is a zoonotic illness or viral infection that spreads from animals to people. It can also be spread through contaminated food, as the recent outbreak in India seems to have done.

The World Health Organization estimates that between 40% and 75% of cases end in death. Three of the most recent infections were found in nurses working at a private hospital in Barasat, close to Kolkata, according to local reports. About 100 people are thought to have been placed in quarantine. Inflammation and damage to the lungs and nervous system result from the virus's attack on the brain and brain stem.

A consultant neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai advised travelers planning trips to India to be aware of symptoms but not overly concerned. “For most travellers, the overall risk remains low unless there has been close exposure to an infected individual or time spent in a high-risk environment such as a healthcare setting,” said Dr Kawale.

 “Nipah is a rare infection, and even when cases do occur, they are typically restricted to a specific area rather than widespread, as with influenza or Covid-19. The main point is that, despite the fact that tourists rarely experience it, it is taken seriously due to the potential severity of the illness. Despite the low number of confirmed cases, the current outbreak in Kolkata—India's third-largest city with approximately 4.5 million people—is causing concern. Contact tracing and quarantine measures are expected to continue.  In December 2024, Nipah was added to China's list of infectious diseases to be monitored. Previous outbreaks in Bangladesh and India are thought to have originated from the consumption of fruits or fruit products contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats.

What symptoms are present? Early symptoms of Nipah are not unique and can overlap with other causes of acute viral encephalitis, or swelling of the brain.  It may also present as a skin rash and usually begins with a fever, headache and body aches, similar to most viral illnesses.  It is the neurological warning signs that could be a potential red flag for Nipah.

 Early symptoms of the virus that should be treated as a medical emergency include confusion or unusual behavior, excessive sleepiness, seizures, difficulty speaking, imbalance or weakness, and decreased consciousness. According to Dr. Kawale, a fever that is followed by confusion or fits should not be mistaken for food poisoning or travel exhaustion. He stated, "Travellers should reduce exposure by avoiding close contact with people who are ill, particularly those with fever and cough," practicing consistent hand hygiene, and avoiding fruits that could be contaminated, such as street-cut fruit that has been half eaten, fallen, or left uncovered. “Do not visit hospitals in outbreak areas unless absolutely necessary; it is essential for healthcare travelers to wear masks, gloves, and strictly adhere to contact precautions. Thirdly, in the event of illness, discontinue travel and avoid crowds; seek medical attention as soon as possible; and make it clear to the physician that you have recently traveled and are concerned about possible Nipah exposure so that appropriate isolation precautions can be taken promptly. "For reassurance, most people travelling will never encounter Nipah.  Awareness is important because, in rare cases, the condition can progress quickly.  A simple rule to remember is: fever accompanied by confusion, drowsiness or seizures requires urgent medical evaluation.”