Countries across Asia, including Thailand, have introduced health surveillance of tourists following an outbreak of Nipah virus in India.
The virus mainly spreads to humans from infected pigs and bats, but can also be passed on through close person-to-person contact.
It can cause fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and a sore throat and, in some cases, dizziness or drowsiness, altered consciousness, severe atypical pneumonia and respiratory problems.
The latest outbreak is in West Bengal in India, where around 100 people have been quarantined.
In Thailand, passengers arriving from West Bengal at all international airports are being monitored for fever and other symptoms associated with the virus, and arrivals are being issued with health ‘beware’ cards, giving advice on what to do if they fall ill.
Officials have also increased cleaning and disease-control preparedness at Phuket International Airport, from where Indian airline Indigo operates daily flights to Kolkata in West Bengal.
Nepal and Taiwan have also tightened health screening for visitors.
Nipah virus outbreaks have been associated with a high death rate in the past, with fatality levels reported between 40% and 75%, depending on the outbreak and the viral strain.
Image is a stock photo
