Indian health authorities said a recent outbreak of the Nipah virus had been contained after two cases were confirmed in the eastern state of West Bengal, as neighboring countries across Asia intensified screening measures for travelers arriving from India amid regional concern.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said late Tuesday that “timely containment” had been ensured and that 196 contacts linked to the two cases were identified, traced, monitored, and tested, with all results returning negative.
Officials said the statement was issued to counter “speculative and incorrect figures” circulating in media reports, while stressing that the situation remained under constant monitoring.
The two confirmed infections, detected in late December, involved health workers who are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, according to a district health officer.
The ministry said enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were deployed as part of the response, adding that all necessary public health measures were in place.
Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted through fruit bats, pigs, or close human contact, and is known for causing severe symptoms including fever and brain inflammation.
There is no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment, and care remains supportive, with the virus carrying a fatality rate estimated between 40 and 75 percent.
India has reported sporadic Nipah cases in recent years, particularly in the southern state of Kerala, while the West Bengal infections are the state’s first in nearly two decades.
The confirmation of the cases prompted a widening regional response, with several Asian governments tightening health controls at airports and land crossings.
Singapore announced temperature screening for flights arriving from affected areas in India, while Hong Kong facilitated enhanced health checks at arrival gates.
Thailand and Malaysia increased airport screening, including health declarations and designated aircraft parking, and Indonesia introduced additional monitoring for incoming passengers.
China said it was strengthening disease prevention in border areas, while Nepal reported being on high alert due to its busy frontier with India.
Myanmar advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal, and Vietnam said monitoring had been stepped up at borders, health facilities, and communities.