As per reports, countries including Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong and Taiwan have begun airport checks for passengers arriving from West Bengal as Covid-like screening measures have been introduced.

• Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority has implemented comprehensive screening for all flights arriving from West Bengal, considered a high-risk area, starting 0000 hours (local time) on Monday (26 January), to prevent the virus from entering the country. The authority reportedly stated that the measures would be adjusted dynamically based on the evolving situation.
• Under the current protocol, airlines are conducting preliminary health checks at departure points. Passengers showing symptoms requiring further evaluation must present medical certificates before boarding and follow public health guidelines during the flight.
• On arrival in Thailand, travellers will undergo temperature screening and be required to submit health declaration forms. Dedicated screening stations have been set up in jet bridge areas at designated airports. Direct flights currently operate between Kolkata and three major Thai airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket — where screening measures are already in place.
• However, former West Bengal Health Advisor and infectious disease specialist Dr Sayan Chakraborty on Monday (26 January) stated that only two confirmed cases have been reported so far, dismissing claims of five cases or a wider outbreak. He also stated that the situation has remained stable.
• Meanwhile, Dr Subarna Goswami, Deputy Assistant Director of Health Services and Superintendent of Darjeeling TB Hospital, stated that so far, only two patients have tested positive and around 190 contacts have been quarantined, and symptomatic individuals have been tested. All test results have come back negative, meaning no additional cases have been detected.
• Dr. Goswami also stated that it is too early to declare that the outbreak has ended since the incubation period of Nipah ranges from four to 45 days. Active case search and close monitoring of contacts are essential. After about three months, if no new cases are reported, authorities can declare that the outbreak is over.
• Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection has also increased health checks on arrivals from India following a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal. Enhanced screening targets travellers arriving from the affected area who show symptoms suggestive of Nipah infection, with prompt referral to hospitals for investigation if needed. Although no direct flights operate between Kolkata and Hong Kong, precautionary measures include temperature checks by port health staff at arrival gates for flights from India, medical assessment of symptomatic passengers, and referral of any public health concern cases to hospitals.