Travellers moving through some Asian airports may experience C-19 type screenings at major gateways, say widespread reports.
This follows an outbreak of the Nipah Virus in West Bengal India, where the World Health Organisation reported two cases of the infection this month. The virus can be transmitted through contaminated food or close contact, and there is no licensed vaccine or treatment currently available. As of 30 Jan, no additional cases have been detected.
Al Jazeera says major airports in Indonesia and Thailand have increased health screenings, while China is said to be taking disease prevention measures in border areas. Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia Nepal and Taiwan have reportedly increased surveillance at international ports of entry. Thailand airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket are said to be checking passengers arriving from West Bengal for fever and other symptoms.
. . . MFAT
SafeTravel has released information about the Nipah virus following the two cases in West Bengal. “WHO continues to assess the likelihood of further human-to-human transmission as low,” it says.
It advises Kiwi travellers to West Bengal to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with flying fox bats or sick pigs, and to avoid areas where bats roost.
They should avoid eating raw date palm sap or fruit that could be soiled by bats, avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids of someone with Nipah, and eat food that is fully cooked and fruits that can be washed and peeled, it adds. See more HERE.
