Pakistan issues high alert over Nipah virus outbreak in India

The Ministry of National Health Services has issued a nationwide high alert following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India, ordering strict screening of all incoming passengers at airports, seaports and land border crossings, Aaj News reported on Wednesday.

In an advisory, the ministry said 100% screening of all arriving and transit passengers has been made mandatory to prevent any possible spread of the virus into the country.

Authorities have been directed to carry out thermal screening and medical assessments of all travelers entering Pakistan.

The advisory further instructed officials to verify the complete travel history of passengers for the past 21 days, particularly those arriving from or transiting through high-risk areas.

READ MORE: India says two Nipah virus cases, but situation contained

Passengers showing suspected symptoms of Nipah virus are to be immediately isolated, and no traveler will be allowed entry into Pakistan without medical clearance.

The ministry said special monitoring measures have been put in place for travelers arriving from regions affected by the virus. It added that coordination with provincial health departments and relevant border authorities has been strengthened.

According to officials, no confirmed case of Nipah virus has been reported in Pakistan so far. However, at least five cases have been reported in India’s West Bengal state, prompting heightened vigilance across the region.

Several other countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Nepal, have also begun screening passengers at airports and border points amid fears of cross-border transmission.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease known to cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, with a high fatality rate. Health authorities have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to follow precautionary health guidelines.