Islamabad (Web Desk) – The National Institute of Health (NIH) has procured 100 Nipah virus testing kits to screen passengers at all entry points into Pakistan. Samples from suspected cases will be sent to the NIH for confirmation.
Authorities have implemented full 100% screening of all arriving passengers, transit travelers, crew, drivers, and support staff. Travel histories from the past 21 days are being closely monitored, with special attention on passengers arriving from high-risk areas. Screening includes checking for fever, respiratory symptoms, and neurological signs such as confusion or drowsiness.
Suspected patients will be immediately isolated and referred to designated hospitals. Provincial governments have been instructed to reserve special facilities and train staff for managing Nipah virus cases.
No confirmed cases have yet been reported in Pakistan. The enhanced measures follow reports of two Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal last December and are in line with precautions taken by Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia.
NIH Issues Advisory as Influenza Cases Rise in Pakistan
The Border Health Services-Pakistan (BHS-P) issued an advisory citing regional and international alerts, including from the WHO South-East Asia Region Epidemiological Bulletin. The advisory emphasizes strict enforcement of surveillance, infection prevention protocols, and mandatory health clearance before entry.
All transport and surrounding areas linked to suspected cases will be disinfected as per standard operating procedures. Authorities have warned that any lapses in surveillance or compliance will be treated as serious negligence. Daily reports from all entry points will be shared with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the National International Health Regulation Focal Point.
The measures will remain in force until further notice. Nipah virus, carried primarily by fruit bats and certain animals, can trigger severe brain swelling and has a fatality rate of 40–75%. Human-to-human transmission is possible, and no approved vaccine currently exists, though candidates are under development.
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