Asian Nations Increase Screening Following Nipah Outbreak in West Bengal

Several Asian countries have implemented airport screenings and border checks after India confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal.Although the Indian Health Ministry reported that 196 contacts tested negative, Thailand, Nepal, and Indonesia are monitoring travelers for symptoms of the deadly virus.There is currently no vaccine for Nipah, which is transmitted by fruit bats and carries a mortality rate of up to 75% according to the WHO.