Countries across Asia are stepping up health screening measures after a case of the deadly virus was detected in India.

Authorities in India, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia have instituted new testing regimes after two Nipah virus cases were detected in West Bengal state.

The disease has a human fatality rate of 40 to 75 percent, depending on a country’s ability to test, track and treat infected people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here’s what we know about this virus, how it spreads, its symptoms, and what countries are dealing with.

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The virus is in the same category as COVID-19 and Ebola and is most commonly spread by fruit bats.

More specifically, WHO states that the most likely source of infection is ingestion of fruit or fruit products (such as raw date juice) containing the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.

The virus can also spread between people, usually among close contacts.

There is also evidence that it can be transmitted to other animals, including pigs, dogs, cats, sheep and horses, the UK Health and Safety Executive said.

The disease was first discovered in 1999 when it occurred on pig farms in Malaysia and Singapore.

Since then, outbreaks have occurred in Bangladesh and India in most years.

What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?

People infected with Nipah virus often develop flu-like symptoms suddenly.

The incubation period is usually 4 to 21 days.

Medical experts say the most serious complication is encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, although pneumonia and other respiratory symptoms can occur.

Mortality rates are high for patients with encephalitis caused by Nipah virus.

Even if you recover, you may be left with permanent neurological damage, regular seizures, and even personality changes.

In rare cases, the virus is known to reactivate some time after recovery.

There is currently no specific treatment for this virus, and intensive care is the only option for people with severe infections.

There is also no vaccine approved for use.

What is happening in India?

Indian health authorities have announced that they have identified two cases of the virus in West Bengal since December.

The National Center for Disease Control said it had “launched a rapid and comprehensive public health response” as a result.

“A total of 196 contacts associated with the confirmed cases were identified, traced, monitored and tested. All traced contacts were found to be asymptomatic and tested negative,” it said in a statement.

“Intensified surveillance, laboratory testing and on-site investigation were conducted to ensure timely containment of the incident.”

This is the first case in West Bengal in nearly 20 years, with five deaths reported in 2007, local media reported.

The Australian government’s Smart Raveller website advises that Nipah is a virus to watch out for in India and Bangladesh, but does not detail the specific risks once new cases emerge.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, an organization that tracks the threat of emerging infectious diseases and funds the development of medical tools to protect against them, said that as of December, there had been a total of 750 infections, and 415 of those patients had died.

What are Asian countries doing about the Nipah virus?

Authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong have announced that they have begun conducting temperature checks at airports for passengers arriving from India.

Thailand tightened airport screening measures earlier this week, and neighboring Malaysia followed suit.

According to the Ministry of Health, aircraft arriving in Thailand from Nipah-infected areas now have designated parking areas, but passengers must complete a health declaration before going through immigration.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health said it is increasing preparedness through health screening at international ports of entry, especially for arrivals from countries deemed at risk.

Chinese disease control authorities said that while no Nipah infections have been detected domestically, there is a risk of imported cases, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday.

Nepal, which shares a busy border with India, said it was on “high alert” and was ramping up checks on travelers.

Health ministry officials said border points with India and China have been notified to remain vigilant and check for suspected cases.

How can we avoid Nipah virus?

WHO recommends several measures to reduce the risk of contracting the virus if you are traveling to an area where the virus is known to exist.

Active outbreaks of the virus in humans have been recorded only in rural or semi-rural areas of India and Bangladesh in recent years.

There have also been outbreaks in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia in the past.

It’s important to avoid bats and infected animals, and it’s also important to wash and peel fruit before eating.

In areas where fruit bats are present, it is also a good idea to discard fruit that has bite marks from bats or fruit that has fallen to the ground.

Maintaining proper hygiene is important for those who come into contact with infected people.

ABC/Wire