Following a recent outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, several Asian countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, have upgraded their border control measures to prevent the virus from entering the country.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health issued a statement on the 28th, saying that it has strengthened health screenings at entry points for Nipah virus, focusing on travelers from high-risk areas. At the same time, relevant departments are strengthening cooperation, preparing for response, and improving monitoring, early warning, and emergency response capabilities. The Ministry of Health also advised the public, especially those traveling to high-risk areas, to pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid contact with sick animals or consuming contaminated food.

Vietnamese media reported on the 28th that the Vietnamese Ministry of Health issued an emergency notice to health and disease control departments across the country, requiring them to strengthen Nipah virus prevention and control at border crossings, medical institutions, and communities, closely monitor inbound travelers, and ensure early detection and rapid handling of suspected cases. As of the 27th, Vietnam had not reported any cases of Nipah virus infection.

Indonesia and Thailand have also strengthened screenings at major airports, requiring inbound travelers to make health declarations and undergo temperature checks. Myanmar’s health authorities are advising the public to avoid travel to West Bengal, India, and are strengthening temperature checks on arrivals from India at airports.

Nipah virus belongs to the Hennipavirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family and is an RNA virus. According to the World Health Organization and other organizations, the incubation period for Nipah virus disease is generally 4 to 14 days, but can be as long as 45 days. Due to differences in epidemiological surveillance and clinical treatment capabilities in outbreak areas, the mortality rate varies from 40% to 75%.

Currently, there are no specific drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus disease. Preventive measures include thoroughly washing and peeling fruits before consumption; wearing protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals and their tissues; and avoiding close contact with infected individuals without protection.