Health authorities stepped up preparedness against the Nipah virus, stepping up border screening and hospital preparedness after neighboring India confirmed two infections, although officials stress that no cases have been detected in the country and the overall risk remains low. A high-level preparedness meeting titled ‘Nipah Virus: Preventive and Preparedness Measures’ was held on Thursday at the Ministry of National Health Services, reflecting growing regional vigilance as several Asian countries tighten surveillance measures. Chaired by Federal Health Minister Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh, the meeting reviewed the national preparedness across federal health institutions, disease surveillance systems, Border Health Services (BHS) and major public hospitals in the federal capital. The officials were informed that on the directions of Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure early detection, quick response and coordinated management of any suspected Nipah virus case. The Chairman told the participants that while no Nipah virus infections have been detected in Pakistan, either in humans or animals, ecological conditions in neighboring countries require continued vigilance and preparedness rather than complacency. Director General for Health Dr. Abdul Wali Khan informed the meeting that Nipah is a zoonotic virus with natural reservoirs in fruit bats and pigs and that all documented outbreaks to date have occurred in Asian countries. He noted that fruit bats, recognized globally as the natural reservoir of the virus, are present in Pakistan, especially in northern and forested areas, but stressed that no scientific evidence exists of active Nipah circulation in the country. Officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH) told the forum that Pakistan’s overall risk remains low, although it cannot be completely ruled out due to the presence of the animal reservoir and regional travel movements. NIH officials confirmed that Pakistan has sufficient laboratory capacity and diagnostic kits to test suspected cases immediately, adding that the absence of an approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment makes early detection and isolation critical. BHS representatives briefed the meeting that enhanced screening of inbound travelers is underway at airports and land crossings, including thermal screening and travel history assessment, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk areas. Authorities noted that there are no direct flights between Pakistan and the country where the latest cases were reported, but transit histories covering the previous 21 days are being reviewed as a precaution. Hospital preparedness was also reviewed, with managing directors of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the Federal Government Polyclinic ensuring the availability of designated isolation facilities and trained staff to handle suspected cases. Health experts reiterated that Nipah is a highly lethal disease, with past outbreaks showing mortality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, causing severe respiratory disease and encephalitis, although it is not easily transmitted between humans.
Nipah virus: government on alert but not alarmed
