Pakistan heightens vigilance amid fears of Nipah virus threat

LAHORE: The federal government has issued a nationwide health alert amid concerns over the possible spread of the deadly Nipah virus to Pakistan, directing authorities to implement strict preventive measures at all entry points.

Border Health Services has circulated a detailed advisory describing the Nipah virus as a highly dangerous zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and through human-to-human transmission. The advisory warns that the virus has a high fatality rate, making early detection and swift containment essential.

In response to the potential threat, enhanced surveillance is being enforced at airports, seaports and land crossings across the country. All incoming passengers, including transit travellers, will undergo thermal screening and medical checks for symptoms associated with the virus. Crews of international flights, ships and buses will also be screened before being cleared for entry.

Authorities have been instructed to verify the travel history of all arrivals for the previous 21 days, with special attention given to travellers coming from countries where Nipah virus cases have been reported. Any false declaration of travel history will be formally documented.

The advisory also orders the disinfection of incoming aircraft, ships and buses using germicidal sprays. Suspected cases will be immediately isolated and barred from onward travel, while designated hospitals and isolation centres will handle suspected and confirmed patients.

Symptoms outlined in the alert include fever, headache, breathing difficulties and drowsiness. Officials have been warned that any lapse in screening or monitoring will be treated as serious negligence. Daily records of suspected and confirmed cases detected at entry points will be maintained and shared with the National Command and Operation Centre.

The alert notes that the World Health Organization has also raised concerns over the Nipah virus, with suspected cases recently reported in India’s West Bengal. Health authorities have stressed that effective screening, timely diagnosis and continuous surveillance are crucial to preventing the virus from entering and spreading within Pakistan.