Kazakhstan has strengthened sanitary and quarantine controls at all border checkpoints following an outbreak of the Nipah virus in India.

During inspections, authorities are paying particular attention to travelers arriving from India and countries of Southeast Asia, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Medical institutions across the country have been placed on heightened readiness to prevent a possible importation of the infection. Emergency response teams and infectious disease hospitals are prepared, and reserve stocks of medicines, personal protective equipment, and disinfectants have been secured.

“Those planning travel to endemic countries are advised to strictly observe preventive measures. If symptoms appear after returning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and inform doctors about the country visited,” the Health Ministry said.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that can spread through close contact with an infected person and from animals, including bats and pigs. Transmission may also occur through contaminated food and beverages.

Symptoms can include high fever, headache, and general weakness. In severe cases, the infection may affect the central nervous system and lead to pneumonia. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for the Nipah virus, and medical care is limited to symptomatic treatment.