Two employees of a private hospital in India contract the Nipah virus, prompting several countries to implement health checks at borders and airports. How serious is the health situation? An overview by travel security analyst Marian Nothing

The progression

In January 2026, two nurses at a private hospital in Barasat, north of the city of Kolkata in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, are diagnosed with the Nipah virus. There is currently no cure for this disease, which is transmitted by bats and has a mortality rate of between 40% and 75%. The Indian authorities therefore reacted quickly and placed all 197 people who had come into contact with the infected individuals in quarantine.

At the same time, preparations for the Chinese New Year (17 February) are beginning in many countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia. A spread of the virus, which is possible from person to person through close contact in the form of droplet infection, would be a disaster and reminiscent of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Successively, more and more countries are imposing health checks at airports and border crossings, first Thailand, then Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and finally Myanmar. The degree of restriction varies and mainly affects the international airports of the capital cities.

The reactions – an overview of the restrictions travellers must be prepared for:

Thailand: Thailand: Passengers from high-risk areas* must complete a health form before entering the country and, if they have symptoms such as fever, obtain a “fit-to-fly” certificate from a doctor in advance. In addition, temperature measuring devices and thermal imaging cameras are used at Bangkok (BKK, DMK) and Phuket (HKT) airports.

Nepal: As Nepal’s immediate neighbour, India has set up increased health checks at border crossings. This affects Gauriphanta and Khakaruna in Kailali, Khalanga in Darchula, Jhulgahat in Baitadi and Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur.

Pakistan: As a measure against the spread of the Nipah virus, Pakistan has imposed health checks at all borders with India. In addition, travellers must be prepared to fill out a travel itinerary covering the last 21 days.

Singapur: Most travel restrictions in Singapore apply to migrant workers, who must undergo daily health checks after visiting West Bengal. At the airport (SIN), specific health checks are only carried out on selected flights from high-risk areas.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong has also introduced sporadic health checks for travellers from India at its airport (HKG).

Cambodia: While no specific measures have been introduced at airports in Cambodia, the country has issued a health directive urging increased hygiene and reporting of certain symptoms.

Vietnam: The Vietnamese authorities have introduced health checks at Ho Chi Minh City International Airport (SGN), which mainly affect travellers arriving from high-risk areas. In addition, random checks in the form of temperature measurements are being carried out.

Indonesia: At Bali Airport (DPS), the authorities have issued a directive to carry out health checks in the form of temperature measurements. This applies to both domestic and international travel.

Myanmar: The Burmese authorities have also introduced health checks at Yangon Airport (RGN). In addition, posters and leaflets provide information on correct hygiene measures and how to deal with symptoms.

*Risk area: Kolkata and surrounding area in West Bengal

Outlook

The viral infection, which has been known since 1999, is transmitted by the saliva of fruit-eating flying foxes and can be passed on to humans via droplet infection. In the past, minor outbreaks have been observed, mainly in connection with the breeding and processing of infected pigs. With an incubation period of 4-14 days, symptoms range from fever and headaches to breathing difficulties and impaired consciousness.

While the symptoms and high mortality rate are very frightening and the reaction of neighbouring countries may seem alarming, transmission of the disease is rather unlikely. However, increased awareness of hygiene and medical examination of any symptoms is essential to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

India also offers hope for normalisation: on 28 January, the Indian health authorities reported that all contacts of the affected cases had been identified and tested negative, making further spread unlikely.

A3M’s Global Monitoring service provides information on all further developments and restrictions.