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Suvarnbhumi Airport Bangkok
Experts Question Usefulness of Nipah Airport Screening
Airport screenings introduced due to the recent Nipah virus outbreak in India may give passengers a sense of safety — but experts say they are unlikely to stop the virus from spreading. Health professionals and infectious disease specialists are calling these measures more symbolic than scientifically effective, especially when it comes to rare viruses like Nipah.
Though many Asian countries — including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan — have rolled out thermal checks and health screenings at airports, leading scientists say these steps are not proven to prevent the virus from entering or spreading.
Why Screening Might Not Work Against Nipah
Experts explain that airport temperature checks and health questionnaires were designed with diseases like COVID-19 in mind, but Nipah behaves differently. Here’s why these screens may not be effective:
❗ Low Efficiency in Detecting Cases
Many infections, including common colds or flu, can cause fever. Temperature checks alone can’t reliably distinguish Nipah from other illnesses, meaning many infected travellers could slip through undetected.
🧪 Rare Disease With Limited Transmission
Nipah doesn’t spread easily from person to person. It primarily moves through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food (like fruit touched by bats), or bodily fluids — not airborne transmission like COVID-19. Also Read:Bangkok Post
📉 WHO Does Not Endorse Airport Screening
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it currently does not recommend airport screening for Nipah, citing limited evidence that it helps stop the virus’s spread. Their focus remains on monitoring outbreaks at the source and supporting local health responses.
Why Countries Still Use Airport Checks
Health ministries in several Asian nations describe airport screenings as precautionary steps. For governments, the screens serve two main purposes:
1. Public Reassurance
Officials say some measures are to reassure the public that authorities are taking action, even if the scientific payoff is limited.
2. Early Warning System
In rare cases where symptoms appear at arrival, screening can help authorities identify and isolate potential cases early, though this is unlikely to catch most infected individuals.
What This Means for Travellers
If you’re planning international travel — especially from India — here’s what to keep in mind:
🧳 Airport Procedures
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Some airports continue to use thermal cameras and health forms.
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These checks are largely precautionary and routine.
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If you’re healthy and symptom-free, you’re unlikely to be delayed.
🦠 Understanding the Risk
Despite media attention, health authorities stress that the global risk of Nipah spreading widely remains low, and no major travel bans or flight restrictions have been recommended by WHO.
📍 Precautions Still Matter
Good hygiene, staying informed, and monitoring health after travel are still wise, especially if you have visited regions with reported outbreaks.