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Thailand Tightens Airport Screening for Nipah Virus from India's West Bengal

Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority has announced enhanced health screening for all flights arriving from India's West Bengal, a high-risk region for the Nipah virus. The measures, effective immediately, include pre-flight checks by airlines and mandatory temperature screening and health declarations upon arrival in Thailand. Direct flights from Kolkata to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, as well as Phuket, are subject to the new protocols. Thai authorities confirm no Nipah virus cases have been detected in the country, which is acting preventively against the virus known for its high mortality rate.

Key Points: Thailand Screens Flights from Nipah Virus Zone in West Bengal

  • Enhanced screening for flights from West Bengal
  • Pre-flight health checks and medical certificates required
  • Temperature checks and health forms upon arrival
  • No Nipah cases reported in Thailand so far
2 min read

Thailand enhances screening of flights originating from Nipah Virus high-risk region

Thailand implements health screening for all arrivals from India's West Bengal to prevent Nipah virus entry. Measures include pre-flight checks and airport screening.

"screening measures will be adjusted dynamically based on the evolving situation - Civil Aviation Authority"

Bangkok, Jan 26

Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority announced that it will implement comprehensive screening for all flights arriving from India's West Bengal, a high-risk region for Nipah virus, starting from 00:00 local time on Monday to prevent the virus from entering the country.

In a statement released on Sunday, the authority said the screening measures will be adjusted dynamically based on the evolving situation.

Key protocols currently in place involve airlines conducting preliminary health checks at the point of departure. Passengers who exhibit symptoms that call for further testing are required to present relevant medical certificates before boarding and must adhere to public health guidelines throughout the flight.

Upon arrival in Thailand, all travelers will undergo temperature checks and be required to fill out a health declaration form. Dedicated screening stations have been set up in the jet bridge areas of designated airports.

According to Thai media reports, direct flights operate between Kolkata in West Bengal and three major Thai airports -- Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket, where the screening measures have already been rolled out.

No Nipah virus cases have been reported in Thailand so far, authorities said on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the World Health Organization and other health bodies, the Nipah virus primarily targets the lungs and brain. Symptoms include fever, headache, drowsiness, confusion, and coma, with a mortality rate exceeding 40 per cent among infected patients.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people, making it a public health concern.

Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in, Malaysia. No new outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia since 1999.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the need for safety, I hope this doesn't lead to unnecessary stigma against travelers from India or West Bengal specifically. The screening should be scientific and respectful. 🤞
A
Aman W
Direct flights from Kolkata to Phuket are very popular. This will cause major inconvenience for tourists and business travelers. The state and central governments need to work faster to contain any local spread to avoid such international travel hurdles.
S
Sarah B
The mortality rate is over 40%? That's terrifying. Thailand is right to be cautious. International cooperation on disease surveillance is so important. Hope the Indian authorities are providing all necessary data to make these screenings smooth.
V
Vikram M
After COVID, no country wants to take chances. It's a bit disappointing to see our region singled out, but public health comes first. I just wish our news reports gave us clearer, more regular updates on the Nipah situation in Bengal than we get from international agencies.
K
Kavya N
The focus should be on the source. How are we managing fruit bats (the natural host) and preventing spillover to pigs or humans? Screening flights is a reactive step. We need more proactive, science-based prevention at home.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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