Asia Tightens Airport Health Screening After Nipah Reports; Officials Emphasize Localized Risk

Several countries in Asia have stepped up airport health screening for travelers arriving from India’s West Bengal region following reports of Nipah virus activity near Kolkata.

Thailand’s government communications described the rollout of health screening measures at international disease control checkpoints for passengers arriving from West Bengal, indicating preparedness steps designed to spot symptomatic travelers early and guide them toward medical evaluation when needed.

At the same time, India’s central health authorities have emphasized that the outbreak remains limited: India’s Ministry of Health stated that only two Nipah cases have been reported in West Bengal since December 2025, and that 196 traced contacts were asymptomatic and tested negative.

Public health agencies typically use airport screening as a risk-reduction layer—especially during periods of heightened public concern—but it is not a standalone solution. For Nipah, the most decisive containment tools remain:

• Rapid diagnosis and isolation,

• Strict infection prevention and control in hospitals, and

• Comprehensive contact tracing and monitoring.

For travelers, the key message is to stay informed using official updates, follow local health guidance, and seek medical advice if symptoms develop after travel to affected areas.

Sources: Thailand PR Department update on screening measures (Jan 25, 2026). India government update via PIB (Jan 27, 2026). UKHSA explainer on Nipah (Jan 27, 2026).