The Government of Nepal has heightened alertness nationwide to prevent the possible entry of the Nipah virus, following its recent spread in India’s neighbouring state of West Bengal.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Prakash Budhathoki, said the government has put adequate preventive measures in place. 

Health screenings have been initiated for passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, as well as at major border points with India.

“We have intensified surveillance particularly at border points in Koshi Province. Similar health checks have also been ordered at other border crossings,” Dr Budhathoki said.

Warning of the virus’s severity, he said Nipah infection can lead to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly. According to him, the mortality rate among infected patients ranges between 30 and 33 percent.

The Nipah virus primarily spreads through infected bats and pigs and can also be transmitted from person to person.