Pakistan has stepped up Nipah virus passenger screening at all international entry points as a preventive measure against possible cross-border transmission of the deadly infection. The move comes amid regional health alerts and follows recent confirmed cases reported in India.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has acquired 100 Nipah virus testing kits to support strict screening at airports, seaports, and land borders. Health officials confirmed that samples from suspected cases will be sent directly to the NIH for laboratory analysis.
According to health authorities, 100 percent screening of all arriving passengers is now mandatory. Screening teams are checking travellers for fever and symptoms related to respiratory or neurological illness. Passengers’ travel and transit history for the past 21 days is also being verified, with special attention given to those arriving from or passing through high-risk regions.
Officials said that any passenger showing suspicious symptoms will be immediately isolated at the point of entry and transferred to a designated isolation unit. Provincial governments have been instructed to reserve special hospital wards and ensure medical staff are trained to handle potential cases safely.
No confirmed case in Pakistan
NIH officials stressed that there is currently no confirmed case of Nipah virus in Pakistan. However, they said early detection and rapid response are critical due to the virus’s high fatality rate and its ability to spread through close contact.
A day earlier, the federal government ordered strict and enhanced health surveillance nationwide. The directive was issued through Border Health Services-Pakistan, an attached department of the Ministry of National Health Services.
Advisory and regional context
The advisory cited regional alerts shared by international public health monitoring systems, including the World Health Organisation’s South-East Asia surveillance network. Countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong have also increased monitoring following cases reported in India.
Health experts explain that Nipah virus is transmitted from animals, particularly fruit bats and pigs, and can also spread between humans. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment, making prevention and surveillance the most effective defence.
Authorities said the enhanced screening measures will remain in force until further instructions, and strict compliance has been ordered at all entry points across the country.