NEW DELHI – Indian officials have successfully managed to contain a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in West Bengal, an eastern state. This development has prompted several Asian countries to enhance health screenings and airport checks for travelers arriving from India, ensuring the virus doesn’t cross borders.

The Indian Health Ministry announced on Tuesday that since December, two Nipah virus cases had been identified. In response, all individuals who came into contact with the infected patients have been quarantined and tested. Although the ministry did not disclose any personal information about the patients, they confirmed that all 196 tracked contacts have tested negative for the virus.

“We are keeping a vigilant eye on the situation, and all necessary public health measures have been implemented,” stated the ministry, emphasizing their proactive approach to managing the outbreak.

The Nipah virus, known for its zoonotic nature, was first discovered during an outbreak in Malaysia during the 1990s. It spreads primarily through fruit bats, pigs, and direct human-to-human transmission. Without an available vaccine, the virus can lead to severe symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and vomiting. Treatment options are limited to supportive care aimed at alleviating symptoms and ensuring patient comfort.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus has a fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, highlighting its lethality compared to the coronavirus. This underscores the importance of swift action and preventive measures in curbing its spread.

There were no reported cases of the virus outside India, but several Asian countries introduced or reinforced screening measures at airports as a precaution. The safety measures were put in place after early media reports from India suggested a surge in cases, but health authorities said those figures were “speculative and incorrect.”

Indonesia and Thailand increased screening at major airports, with health declarations, temperature checks and visual monitoring for arriving passengers. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control said thermal scanners had been installed at arrival gates for direct flights from West Bengal at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Myanmar’s Health Ministry advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop within 14 days of travel. It said fever surveillance introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic at airports has been intensified for passengers arriving from India, with laboratory testing capacity and medical supplies readied.

Vietnam’s Health Ministry on Tuesday urged strict food safety practices and directed local authorities to increase monitoring at border crossings, health facilities and communities, according to state media.

China said it was strengthening disease prevention measures in border areas. State media reported that health authorities had begun risk assessments and enhanced training for medical staff, while increasing monitoring and testing capabilities.

Earlier Nipah outbreaks were reported in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, while recent cases have largely been detected in southern Kerala state. A major outbreak in 2018 killed at least 17 people in Kerala.

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Associated Press journalists across Asia contributed to this report.