Several Asian countries tighten controls due to Nipah virus

Amid the spread of the deadly Nipah virus in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have tightened entry control measures. This was reported by Al Jazeera.

According to the report, Indonesia and Thailand have strengthened screening procedures at major airports, introducing enhanced health checks for passengers, including temperature screening and visual monitoring. These measures are linked to the spread of the Nipah virus in India.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Health has also advised citizens to avoid traveling to India’s West Bengal region unless absolutely necessary. In addition, it was announced that temperature screening procedures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reinforced again at the country’s airports.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has instructed local authorities to strengthen monitoring at border checkpoints, healthcare facilities, and residential areas.

The Malaysian government, in turn, announced that medical screening has been introduced at international entry points.

In addition, China has strengthened measures to prevent the spread of the disease in border regions. Health authorities have begun risk assessment activities and are conducting special training for medical personnel.

It is worth noting that earlier reports stated that a fatal case of the Nipah virus had been recorded near the Indian city of Kolkata. In West Bengal State, five cases of Nipah virus infection have been confirmed, three of which were recorded last week. In particular, a doctor, a nurse, and a healthcare facility employee were among those infected.

According to Nurmat Otabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of Uzbekistan, no cases of Nipah virus infection have been recorded in the country, nor has the virus entered its territory. The epidemiological situation in Uzbekistan remains stable and fully under control.