Nipah virus: govt on alert but not alarmed

The health authorities stepped up preparedness against the Nipah virus, intensifying border screening and hospital readiness after neighbouring India confirmed two infections, even as officials stress that no case has 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 Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh, the meeting reviewed national readiness across federal health institutions, disease surveillance systems, Border Health Services (BHS) and major public hospitals in the federal capital.

Officials were briefed that, on the directions of Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure early detection, rapid response and coordinated management of any suspected Nipah virus case.

The chair told participants that although no Nipah virus infections have been detected in Pakistan, either in humans or animals, ecological conditions in neighbouring countries require sustained alertness and preparedness rather than complacency.

Director General 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, recognised globally as the natural reservoir of the virus, are present in Pakistan, particularly in northern and forested regions, but emphasised that no scientific evidence exists of active Nipah circulation within the country.

Officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH) told the forum that Pakistan's overall risk remains low, though it cannot be completely ruled out because of the presence of the animal reservoir and regional travel movements.

NIH officials confirmed that Pakistan has adequate laboratory capacity and diagnostic kits to test suspected cases promptly, 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 travellers is under way at airports and land crossings, including thermal screening and travel history assessment, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk regions.

Authorities noted that there are no direct flights between Pakistan and the country where the latest cases were reported, yet transit histories covering the previous 21 days are being reviewed as a precautionary measure.

Hospital preparedness was also reviewed, with executive directors of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the Federal Government Polyclinic assuring the availability of designated isolation facilities and trained staff to manage suspected cases.

Health experts reiterated that Nipah is a highly fatal disease, with past outbreaks showing case fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, causing severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, though it is not easily transmitted between people.