Thailand has begun screening passengers arriving from India at three airports following the confirmation of two Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, India, according to a statement released by the Thai Ministry of Public Health on January 27, 2026.
The confirmed cases, both healthcare workers at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, were identified on January 26, 2026 and laboratory confirmation was received from the National Institute of Virology in Pune on January 13, 2026, as reported by India’s National IHR Focal Point to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Nepal has similarly initiated screening measures at Kathmandu airport and other land border crossings with India, responding to the outbreak. Indian authorities have traced and tested over 190 contacts of the confirmed cases, all of whom have tested negative for the virus, with support from a mobile BSL-3 laboratory deployed by the National Institute of Virology, Pune.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between animals and humans. Transmission can occur from infected animals, such as bats and pigs, or through contaminated food. Person-to-person transmission is also possible through close contact with an infected individual.
The WHO currently assesses the risk posed by Nipah virus as moderate at the sub-national level in West Bengal, and low at the national, regional, and global levels. This outbreak marks the third reported Nipah virus infection outbreak in West Bengal, following previous occurrences in Siliguri in 2001 and Nadia in 2007.
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection range from fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat to drowsiness, altered consciousness, and pneumonia. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal. Notice currently no licensed medicines or vaccines available to treat Nipah virus infection, although early supportive care can improve survival rates.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assessed the risk of infection for people from Europe travelling to or residing in the affected area as remarkably low, citing the limited number of cases and their apparent link to a single healthcare setting, suggesting no community transmission at this stage. However, the ECDC notes that the most likely route for Nipah virus to be introduced into Europe would be through infected travellers.
Authorities in India have implemented prevention and control measures and are continuing investigations to identify the source of the infection. Several countries in the region, including Cambodia, have initiated precautionary measures, including public information campaigns.
