Singapore will begin screening passengers from Nipah virus risk areas after India detected two cases in West Bengal, while increasing surveillance of migrant workers from South Asia and issuing alerts to healthcare facilities nationwide.
On 28 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) announced it will start measuring body temperatures of passengers arriving from regions reporting Nipah virus outbreaks, following India’s detection of two cases in West Bengal. The agency said Singapore is closely monitoring the situation, marking India’s seventh outbreak since 2002.
Additionally, Singapore will require doctors and laboratories to immediately report confirmed or suspected Nipah virus cases to the CDA. Hospitals and emergency departments are being alerted to exercise greater caution with patients showing symptoms and travel history to risk areas.
At the same time, Singapore plans to issue health advisories to travelers entering and leaving the country, and will coordinate with public health authorities in South Asia to continuously assess the situation. The CDA stated that if public health risks increase, further measures will be implemented promptly.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower revealed it will enhance surveillance of newly arriving migrant workers from South Asia, working with primary healthcare facilities to increase vigilance in screening suspected symptoms.
The Nipah virus can be transmitted through contact with bats or consuming contaminated food and fruit juices, and may also spread from person to person. Reports indicate that the recent outbreak in West Bengal occurred within a hospital, with no widespread community transmission detected.
Source: CNA