Asian airports tightening screening procedures after deadly Nipah virus detected in India, Australian authorities monitoring
One of Australia’s closest neighbors has tightened airport screening procedures after a deadly virus was detected.
Two people in India were infected with Nipah virus, an extremely dangerous virus with a mortality rate of up to 75 percent.
The cases were detected in West Bengal late last year, and many airports in Asia have tightened screening procedures in response to the health threat.
Bali Airport is among those implementing tightened procedures.
Denpasar or Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has introduced four thermal scanner units throughout the airport.
“If symptomatic passengers are detected, the quarantine office will refer them to Ngoerah Central General Hospital in Denpasar,” said Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, communications representative of Denpasar airport.
“Passengers who feel unwell and show symptoms of Nipah virus, such as fever, are advised to immediately notify airport or quarantine officials,” Mr. Asmadi said.
Other countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia have also increased airport security measures.
Nipah virus is found in bats (most commonly fruit bats) and can be transmitted to humans and animals.
It was first recorded in 1999 and is in the same category as Covid-19 and Ebola.
“In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruit or fruit products, such as raw date juice contaminated with the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats, was the most likely source of infection,” a WHO spokesperson said.
The virus can also be transmitted from person to person, but this is less common.
The World Health Organization says the estimated fatality rate is between 40 and 75 percent, and there is currently no treatment or vaccine against the virus.
Symptoms are similar to the flu, such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat.
Some people develop pneumonia, and in some cases, people develop encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
People who recover from the virus may experience permanent neurological damage, including regular seizures and even personality changes.
The Australian Center for Disease Control has advised anyone traveling to an area where Nipah has been detected to avoid contact with animals, particularly fruit bats and pigs.
A spokesman said eating fruit that may have come into contact with an animal and drinking raw or fermented palm juice or sap that may have been contaminated by fruit bats should be avoided.
Finally, like any virus, they recommend following good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with people who are not well.
