Pakistan Strengthens Border Screening Amid Nipah Virus Alert

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — The National Institute of Health (NIH) has procured 100 Nipah virus testing kits to screen all passengers entering Pakistan. Samples from suspected cases will be sent to the NIH for confirmation, while full passenger screening has been implemented at all points of entry.

Authorities are also reviewing the 21-day travel history of travelers, with high-risk passengers receiving extra monitoring. Screening includes checking for fever, respiratory issues, or neurological symptoms. Suspected cases will be immediately isolated, and provincial governments have been directed to reserve specialized hospitals and train medical staff for potential treatment. Officials stressed that no confirmed case of Nipah virus has been reported in Pakistan so far.

The government recently announced “strict and enhanced health surveillance” at international airports, seaports, and land border crossings to prevent cross-border transmission. Nipah, carried by fruit bats and certain animals like pigs, can cause deadly brain inflammation and spread through close human contact. There is currently no approved vaccine, though several candidates are under development.

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The measures align with steps taken by countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia following India’s confirmation of two cases in December. The Border Health Services-Pakistan (BHS-P) issued an advisory citing WHO alerts, emphasizing the need for 100 percent screening, thermal checks, clinical assessments, and strict infection prevention protocols.

The advisory further instructs entry-point officials to verify travel histories, isolate suspected cases, disinfect affected areas, and strictly follow personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene measures. Non-compliance or delays in surveillance will be treated as serious negligence. All instructions will remain in effect until further notice from the competent authority.