Outbreak of deadly virus with no cure prompts airports to launch COVID-style measures

Update 01/28/26: Following publication of this article, authorities in India performed more tests and have now reported that only two cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed. Previously, the government stated there were five cases.

Airports in Asia are reportedly bringing in COVID-like measures after the outbreak of a deadly virus in India that has high fatality rates.

The disease in question is called Nipah virus, which the World Health Organzation (WHO) describes as 'a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people'.

Nipah virus has a 40 to 75 percent fatality rate and there is currently no treatment available for either humans or animals. It has been making headlines of late after it was confirmed that five people in West Bengal, India, contracted the illness.

Speaking to The Telegraph about two of those who have been affected, Narayan Swaroop Nigam, the principal secretary of the health and family welfare department, said: "Two nurses at a private hospital are infected with Nipah virus, and one of them is in critical condition."

The two nurses in question were on duty together at the hospital between December 28 and 30. Shortly after they both fell unwell and were admitted to intensive care on January 4.

According to The Independent, 100 people were being quarantined as of January 26.

In light of the five confirmed cases, Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan have stepped up their precautionary measures at airports similar to steps that were enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (TDDC) said that the measures were in place 'to monitor and screen travelers at international communicable disease control checkpoints'.

It went on, per Fox News: "Measures have been taken to monitor travelers.

"[If] travelers [are found] with high fever or have symptoms compatible with Nipah virus infection, additional screening will be done at the international communicable disease control checkpoint."

If a passenger arrives at the airport with a high temperature or symptoms that indicate a Nipah infection, then they are reportedly being transferred to quarantine facilities.

Human infections of Nipah virus range from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection, and fatal encephalitis, says the WHO.

"Infected people initially develop symptoms including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat," it goes on the explain.

"This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress.

"Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours."