• World Health Organization assesses low risk of Nipah virus spreading from India.
• Airport screenings across Asia implemented as precautionary measure.
• Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus reported in West Bengal, India.
• Experts suggest screening measures are more for reassurance than effective prevention.

A recent outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India has prompted health alerts across Asia, leading to airport screenings in regions such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the risk of the virus spreading beyond India as low, highlighting that there are no signs of person-to-person transmission or increased contact tracing concerns, with over 190 contacts testing negative according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The Nipah virus, which has a mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, spreads mainly through contaminated food or contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine available, but scientists are working on developing one. The WHO has indicated that the situation in India is under control, with measures in place to contain the outbreak. However, familial and business trips to the affected areas have been advised against as a precaution according to SCMP and Reuters.

Experts express skepticism over the effectiveness of airport screenings, stating they are largely reassuring rather than scientifically effective in preventing virus spread. Dr. Md Zakiul Hassan noted that the likelihood of a large-scale epidemic from this outbreak is very low. Public health professionals argue that resources would be better spent on understanding the virus's ecology and improving vaccinations and treatments rather than on symptomatic screenings at airports as pointed out by Reuters.