Nepal Steps Up Nipah Surveillance at Border Checkpoints

Surveillance has been intensified at Nepal’s western border checkpoints with India following the detection of the Nipah virus in neighbouring India, health officials said.
According to Hemraj Joshi, Vector Control Inspector at the Sudurpaschim Health Directorate, monitoring has been increased at five key border points in Sudurpaschim Province. Health desks are operational at Gauriphanta and Khakaruna in Kailali, Khalanga in Darchula, Jhulgahat in Baitadi, and Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur to screen travellers entering Nepal.
Joshi said precautionary measures have been adopted at all border health desks, and staff have been oriented on Nipah virus prevention and response. Isolation wards set up during the COVID-19 pandemic have also been kept ready as a precaution.
District Health Office chief Dipendra Singh Rawal said passengers showing symptoms such as fever are being closely monitored at transit points. Suspected cases are tested, with swab samples sent to the Provincial Public Health Laboratory.
Health officials noted that Nipah virus spreads through bats, pigs and infected individuals, prompting enhanced preventive measures, particularly at border crossings.