Thailand has introduced strict health measures to prevent an outbreak of the Nipah virus. These actions follow recent cases reported in India. While the virus is not new, health officials are on high alert because it has no known cure and a high fatality rate of 40% to 75%.
The virus primarily spreads to humans from fruit bats or pigs. Once a person is infected, they can spread the disease to others through close contact.
To protect its borders, Thailand has stepped up screenings at major airports, including Bangkok and Phuket. Travelers from high-risk areas must now complete health declarations. Anyone showing a fever must provide a medical certificate proving they are fit to fly.
Airports have also launched new sanitation rules. Planes arriving from affected regions are assigned dedicated parking bays and must be disinfected. Specific isolation rooms are ready for any passengers showing symptoms.
Health officials are confident these steps will work. Unlike Covid-19, the Nipah virus is generally only contagious when a person shows active symptoms. This makes it easier for authorities to identify and isolate cases before the virus can spread into the community.