Some Asian airports are reportedly reintroducing COVID-like protocols following the emergence of a deadly virus in India with high mortality rates.
The virus in focus is the Nipah virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a ‘zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans) and can also spread through contaminated food or directly between individuals’.
With a fatality rate of 40 to 75 percent and no available treatment for either humans or animals, the Nipah virus has been making headlines recently. This follows the confirmation that five individuals in West Bengal, India, have contracted the illness.
Narayan Swaroop Nigam, the principal secretary of the health and family welfare department, provided details to The Telegraph regarding two of those infected, stating: “Two nurses at a private hospital are infected with Nipah virus, and one of them is in critical condition.”
The affected nurses were on duty together at a hospital from December 28 to 30. Soon after, they became ill and were admitted to intensive care on January 4.
As reported by The Independent, 100 individuals were under quarantine as of January 26.
Following the confirmation of these cases, Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have increased their preventive measures at airports, similar to those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (TDDC) stated in a press release that these measures aim ‘to monitor and screen travelers at international communicable disease control checkpoints’.
Fox News reports that the statement continued: “Measures have been taken to monitor travelers.
“[If] travelers [are found] with high fever or have symptoms compatible with Nipah virus infection, additional screening will be done at the international communicable disease control checkpoint.”
Travelers presenting with a high temperature or symptoms indicative of a Nipah infection are reportedly being directed to quarantine facilities.
The WHO states that Nipah virus infections in humans can range from asymptomatic to acute respiratory infections and fatal encephalitis.
Follow these essential precautions to prevent Nipah Virus infection. Stay alert, stay informed, and follow advisories issued by local health authorities.#NipahVirus #PublicHealth #HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/itTuZA18ev
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 22, 2026
“Infected people initially develop symptoms including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat,” the WHO explains.
“This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress.
“Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.”