Kyrgyzstan tightens airport health controls over Nipah virus risk

Kyrgyzstan has strengthened sanitary and quarantine measures at its main international airport amid concerns about the possible importation of the Nipah virus, the Ministry of Health said.

Enhanced preventive controls are currently in place at Manas International Airport, with a particular focus on passengers arriving from India, where cases of the virus have been recorded, Caliber.Az reports via Kyrgyz media.

Deputy Minister of Health Ryspek Sydygaliev inspected sanitary screening procedures on the Delhi–Bishkek flight, underscoring the importance of early detection of potential symptoms. On February 1, a total of 158 passengers arrived from India and underwent temperature screening. Health authorities reported that no elevated temperatures or epidemiologically dangerous cases were identified.

According to the ministry, any passenger registering a body temperature above 37.5°C will be immediately isolated and provided with medical assistance. Officials said the epidemiological situation in Kyrgyzstan remains stable and confirmed that enhanced preventive measures will continue as a precaution.

By Sabina Mammadli