The National Institute of Health (NIH) has warned that coronavirus may rapidly spread during the winter season.

The NIH in an advisory 'Seasonal Awareness and Alert Letter (Saal)' has said that diseases such as COVID-19, dengue fever, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus, diphtheria, pertussis, seasonal flu and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid can spread rapidly from October to February.

The NIH has advised all health authorities and professionals concerned to declare high alert, and for the timely and efficient response to the outbreaks/epidemics.

"On the basis of last five-year data, NIH recommends for all federal, provincial and district health departments to keep continuous surveillance and watch on the anticipated seasonal public health threats and taking of all preventive or curative measures in this context,” NIH said.

Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan had also warned of a second wave of the novel virus, urging people to follow guidelines and wear a face mask in public places.

Currently, there are 8,528 active coronavirus cases in Pakistan. The country also reported nine more deaths from the virus on Wednesday. So far Pakistan has reported 316,934 cases and 6,544 deaths.