Pakistan Imposes Strict Health Screening Following Nipah Virus Cases in India

Islamabad: (Web Desk) –  Pakistan has introduced stringent health screening measures at all entry points after two cases of the deadly Nipah virus were confirmed in India’s West Bengal.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has issued a health advisory mandating that no individual may enter Pakistan without clearance from Border Health Services (BHS). The move comes in response to the recent regional alert reported by the WHO South-East Asia Region Epidemiological Bulletin (January 2026), which highlighted suspected Nipah cases in West Bengal, India. Authorities cited the virus’s high fatality rate of 40–70%, zoonotic nature, and potential for human-to-human transmission as reasons for the strict measures.

Enhanced surveillance will be enforced at all international airports, seaports, and land crossings, requiring 100% screening of passengers, transit travelers, crew, drivers, helpers, and support staff. Travelers’ country of origin and travel history for the past 21 days will be verified, with special attention to those arriving from high-risk areas. False declarations will be reported immediately.

All travelers will undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment, with staff monitoring for fever, headache, respiratory issues, and neurological symptoms such as confusion or drowsiness. Suspected cases will be isolated and treated according to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, and affected areas will be disinfected following approved SOPs.

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The advisory emphasizes strict adherence to PPE use, hand hygiene, and environmental sanitation, warning that any lapse will be considered serious negligence. Daily reports from all points of entry will be logged in the BHS-P system and shared with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and National IHR Focal Point. These measures will remain in place until further notice.

Regional countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia have also implemented urgent screening measures, including airport temperature checks, to prevent the spread of the highly lethal and epidemic-prone virus.

About Nipah Virus:
Nipah virus is a rare zoonotic infection, primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, though human-to-human transmission can occur but is relatively uncommon. It can range from asymptomatic to fatal, with case fatality rates between 40% and 75%, depending on local healthcare capabilities. First identified in Malaysia in 1999, Nipah outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Bangladesh, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. No approved vaccine or treatment currently exists, although candidate vaccines are under development.