What Aussies Should Know as Asian Countries Tighten Airport Screening

Many Asian countries have tightened airport screening following a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India.

Indian authorities have confirmed that two people have contracted the virus and contacts have been tested.

“All traced contacts have been found asymptomatic and have tested negative for Nipah Virus Disease,” according to the statement released by India’s Ministry of Healthy, per 9news.

The concern over the Nipah virus has led to tighter airport screening measures in Asian countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, as reported by the BBC. Indonesia and Malaysia have also implemented stricter airport screening of international arrivals.

But what exactly is the Nipah virus?

Understanding What the Nipah Virus Is

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the Nipah virus as a zoonotic virus, which means that it is transmitted from animals to humans. In the case of the Nipah virus, it is most associated with fruit bats.

However, it can also be transmitted through contaminated food, as well as directly between people.

The virus was first recognized in 1999 when an outbreak occurred in Malaysia.

“In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis,” WHO says on its website.

Signs and Symptoms

According to WHO, the initial symptoms are as follows:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Sore throat

The following symptoms can also occur after the initial signs:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Altered consciousness
• Neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis

Is It Fatal?

As noted by 9news, the disease caused by the Nipah virus can be fatal.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, around 40 to 75 per cent of people infected by the Nipah virus do not survive the disease.

Is There a Vaccine?

There are no vaccines or drugs that have been approved to treat the disease caused by the Nipah virus.

However, WHO has classified it as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development Blueprint.

Is There a Confirmed Case in Australia?

As of press time, there is no confirmed case in Australia, and the country remains free of the Nipah virus.

“Australia is currently free of Nipah virus, however, an incursion of this virus would have serious consequences for both animal and human health,” the statement released by Australia’s Department of Agriculture read.