KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 30 -- Over the past few days, major media outlets have reported a Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak in West Bengal, India, sparking flashbacks of Covid-19 pandemic fears across Asia and prompting some countries to implement precautionary measures.

While there is currently no indication that the virus has spread to Malaysia or across borders, several Southeast Asian countries have issued precautionary notices and increased airport surveillance following the NiV outbreak in India.

What is Nipah virus?

The NiV, medically known as Henipavirus nipahense, is a rare but deadly virus that can cause fatal respiratory illness and brain inflammation.

It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can transmit from animals to humans. It can also ...