26 January 2026: With recent reports of a deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India, international health authorities have raised concerns and stepped up surveillance to limit further transmission. To prevent international spread, strict airport screening measures have been initiated for passengers heading to or from India.

The ministry said, “The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place.”

According to the World Health Organization, the estimated fatality rate of the Nipah virus is between 40% and 75%. Thus, it is clear that the Nipah is far more deadly than the coronavirus.

Nipah is a zoonotic virus, which usually spreads from animals to humans. The natural hosts of the Nipah virus are the fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated food or close contact with the infected person.

With no licensed vaccine or treatment available currently, early virus detection, proper medical care, and the right prevention measures are essential.

Current situation in India

Indian health officials confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection in the eastern state of West Bengal. The cases were first identified as suspected Nipah virus infections on 11 January by the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at a government hospital in Kalyani. Later, the National Institute for Virology in Pune subsequently confirmed it on January 13, 2026.

Shortly after confirmation, an emergency public health response was activated. A total of 196 individuals who had contact with the infected individuals were found, traced, screened, and tested. According to the test report, all of them are asymptomatic and negative for Nipah virus infection.

The government has deployed an outbreak response team to work closely with the health care authorities. Improved surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention measures, and field investigations are in progress.

International Response: Airport Screening

Although India has not introduced large-scale airport screening, several countries have stepped up airport health screenings for passengers.

Here are the international responses to the current Nipah virus outbreak in India:

China has initiated airport screening for passengers arriving from India, with swab tests being conducted. The authorities are of great concern as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches. The 40-day travel rush, known as chunyun, runs this year from February 2 to March 13.
Asian airports, including those in Singapore, Nepal, Thailand, and others, have initiated COVID-style passenger screening such as fever checks, health advisory cards, health declarations, and symptom monitoring for travelers arriving from India.
To avoid risk, Malaysia’s airport authorities have released advisories recommending the use of masks and requesting cooperation with health screening protocols.

These preventive measures don’t indicate a severe international spread but rather the seriousness of the infection.

What travelers need to know

Because of the epidemic potential and high fatality rate of Nipah virus, WHO has listed it as a priority pathogen.

The infected person may experience early symptoms such as headache, fever, severe tiredness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and muscle pain.

Severe infections may lead to pneumonia, fatal brain inflammation, coma, acute respiratory distress, or even death.

Although the overall risk is currently low, experts emphasize the significance of early virus detection, contact tracing, and supportive care.

What UAE Travelers Should Know

Risk Level

As there are no Nipah virus cases reported currently in the UAE, the risk is low.

According to healthcare professionals, the risk to international passengers is comparatively low, as the outbreak is limited and contained. However, due to its high fatality rate and lack of vaccine, caution is necessary.

Travel Advice

If you’re planning to travel from India to the UAE or elsewhere, follow the below practical guidelines:

Before Travel:

Check health-related travel advisories regularly, especially when planning to visit affected areas.
Examine airline and government guidelines to know whether there are any additional health or entry requirements.
Make sure that your health insurance policy covers medical assistance and evacuation for Nipah virus.

During and After Travel:

Maintain proper hygiene by frequently washing or sanitizing your hands.
Avoid eating raw fruit flesh or unwashed fruits in places where bats could contaminate food.
Use masks in public places and airports while traveling to or from an affected area.
Avoid direct contact with infected individuals.
Keep an eye on your health for up to 14 days after exposure to an infected person or area. Get medical care if you experience fever, nausea, headache, dizziness, respiratory symptoms, or neurological signs.

Screening at Transit Points

Some airports may still demand health declarations or thermal scanning when you arrive from India, even if you are travelling somewhere else. Be ready for possible checks or questioning regarding your recent travel history.

Health and Safety Bottom Line

The Nipah virus outbreak is an important reminder of how crucial it is to be health conscious while traveling during the pandemic. Although the risk of Nipah virus remains low now, knowing the early symptoms of Nipah virus and understanding how severe Nipah may lead to life-threatening complications, and following official travel advisories can save you. Maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding animal contact (especially fruit bats), not consuming unwashed high-risk fruits, and seeking proper medical assistance if symptoms appear can help reduce its effect. Checking official health authorities’ guidelines and following them in the right way can protect you and others during a Nipah virus alert, especially when heading to or from affected areas.