Epidemic hazard

India has confirmed two Nipah virus infections in recent weeks, prompting neighbouring Southeast Asian countries to step up airport health screening amid concerns over cross-border transmission.
India's health ministry said that two Nipah cases have been reported in the eastern state of West Bengal since December, pushing back against what it described as misinformation circulating about the outbreak."Speculative and incorrect figures regarding Nipah virus cases are being circulated," the ministry said in a statement, confirming the tally at two.The update came a day after Thailand said it had tightened airport screening measures, with neighbouring Malaysia announcing similar steps.Indian authorities said they have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two confirmed cases. None have shown symptoms, and all have tested negative for the virus, the ministry added.Thailand's health ministry said it has designated specific parking bays for aircraft arriving from areas affected by Nipah outbreaks. Passengers on those flights are also required to submit health declarations before clearing immigration.Malaysia's health ministry said it has stepped up preparedness measures, including enhanced health screening at international ports of entry, particularly for travellers arriving from countries deemed to be at risk."The ministry remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission following sporadic infections in several other countries," it said in a statement on January 28.The Nipah virus is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization, which estimates its fatality rate at between 40 percent and 75 percent and warns of its potential to trigger an epidemic. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Nipah infection and no treatment to cure it.