Sindh issues Nipah virus advisory as Pakistan enhances national alert and international response
KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has issued a precautionary advisory on the Nipah virus following recent cases reported in neighboring India, highlighting growing regional concern over this deadly zoonotic disease. Originally released a day earlier by the National Institute of Health (NIH), Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, the advisory has been circulated by the Director General of Health Services, Sindh to the heads of all public sector hospitals across the province. Copies have also been sent to the Secretary, Government of Sindh Health Department, the Divisional Director, Karachi Division, the Additional Director, PDSRU, DGHSS Hyderabad, and the P.S. to the Minister for Health & Population Welfare, Government of Sindh. The advisory comes amid broader preventive measures across Pakistan and heightened surveillance throughout Asia.
While no Nipah virus cases have been confirmed in Pakistan so far, authorities are urging vigilance and strict adherence to public health measures.
What the public needs to know
In the advisory, Health Services Sindh highlights that Nipah virus is a deadly zoonotic infection that can spread from animals to humans and, in certain situations, between people. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, cough, body aches, and vomiting. Citizens are advised to follow general food safety practices — such as consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, washing food thoroughly before eating, and avoiding food left uncovered for long periods.
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All government and private hospitals in Sindh have been instructed to remain on alert and strictly implement infection‑control guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure early identification and management of any suspected case.
Government of Pakistan’s nationwide alert, border screening
A day earlier — on Wednesday, January 28 — the Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination issued a nationwide high alert and advisory, strengthening health surveillance at all points of entry in Pakistan. This directive mandates 100 percent screening of all arriving and transit passengers, crew members, drivers and support staff at airports, seaports and land border crossings to help prevent possible cross‑border transmission of the virus.
Under the federal advisory:
• Thermal screening and clinical assessment at all entry points are compulsory.
• Travellers must provide complete travel history for the past 21 days, with heightened focus on those arriving from or through Nipah‑affected regions.
• Suspected cases are to be isolated immediately and managed in designated isolation facilities or tertiary care hospitals following infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
• Provincial health authorities must ensure readiness of rapid response teams and emergency operation centres.
• The federal alert also clarified that no confirmed Nipah virus case has been reported in Pakistan to date.
India’s outbreak update, regional response
India’s health authorities have confirmed cases of Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal — including among healthcare workers — and assert that the situation is being closely monitored with containment measures in place. Contact tracing and testing of hundreds of contacts have so far returned negative results, and authorities describe the current situation as under control.
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Across Asia, countries including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia and Vietnam have stepped up health screening measures at airports and other points of entry in response to India’s reported cases.
What the WHO says on Nipah virus
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a serious zoonotic disease with a case fatality rate estimated between 40 percent and 75 percent, though this can vary depending on outbreak and clinical care capacity. WHO has designated Nipah virus as a priority pathogen under its R&D Blueprint due to its epidemic potential and lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments.
The virus can be transmitted from infected animals — particularly fruit bats — to humans, through contact with contaminated food, and, in some settings, between people. The incubation period typically ranges from four to 14 days, with severe cases resulting in respiratory illness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) and neurological complications.
WHO guidance stresses rapid detection, supportive care for severe symptoms, strict infection control practices, and community awareness to prevent and contain outbreaks.
Key points for public safety
Health authorities reiterate that:
• The risk to Pakistan remains low while no local cases have been detected.
• Vigilance, safe food practices, and early reporting of symptoms are crucial.
• Strict screening and surveillance at borders remain in force until further notice.
Pakistan’s proactive approach, combined with regional cooperation and WHO guidance, aims to keep the threat of Nipah virus spillover minimal while safeguarding public health.
Stay informed, stay healthy!
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