HEALTH controls at all entry points will be gradually enhanced following reports of Nipah virus infections in India.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) in a statement said it was closely monitoring the situation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and bilateral communication with relevant authorities.
"MOH stresses that health control measures at the border are always maintained and will be gradually enhanced in accordance with the development of risk assessments and official epidemiological updates," it said on Tuesday.
The ministry explained that any further public health measures will be decided based on verified information and a thorough risk assessment, in line with existing national policies and procedures.
"The level of public health preparedness at the country's entry points, including international airports, seaports and land border crossings, continues to operate consistently in accordance with established protocols.
"The measures include health monitoring and risk-based screening of travellers, clear referral pathways for travellers with symptoms or suspected illness, and operational readiness of the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) in line with existing infectious disease guidelines," the MOH said.
Last Friday, several cases of Nipah virus infection were confirmed in the Indian state of West Bengal, including among health workers at a private hospital, where more than 100 individuals have been placed under quarantine to curb the spread of the disease, which has a high mortality rate and no specific treatment method so far.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and through close contact between humans, causing symptoms such as fever, respiratory problems and inflammation of the brain and is now the focus of health authorities in India and monitoring by agencies such as the WHO.
Following the report, several Asian countries have tightened health control measures to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan are among those that have stepped up health screening at airports and major border crossings, including temperature checks, symptom monitoring and the reactivation of Covid-19-style screening protocols for passengers arriving from risk areas.
Taiwan is also planning to classify Nipah virus infection as the highest category of notifiable diseases in its disease control system to speed up reporting and control actions. – January 27, 2026
