Pakistan has announced rigorous health screening measures at all entry points after two cases of the deadly Nipah virus were confirmed in India’s West Bengal.
Nipah, classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), is known for its high fatality rate of 40% to 70% and its potential to trigger rapid outbreaks. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the virus.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination stated that no person will be allowed to enter Pakistan without clearance from Border Health Services (BHS-Pakistan). This measure is aimed at preventing cross-border transmission and ensuring early detection.
Enhanced surveillance will be implemented at all international airports, seaports, and land crossings. All travellers, including passengers, transit travellers, crew members, drivers, and support staff, will undergo thermal screening, clinical assessments, and verification of travel history for the past 21 days, with special attention to arrivals from high-risk areas. False declarations will be documented and reported immediately.
“Screening staff are instructed to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, headache, respiratory issues, and neurological signs like confusion or drowsiness,” the advisory said. Suspected cases will be isolated and treated following strict infection prevention protocols, and affected areas will be disinfected according to approved SOPs.
Daily reports from all points of entry will be logged in the BHS-P system and shared with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the National IHR Focal Point. These measures will remain in place until further notice.
Other countries in the region, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia, have also intensified screening efforts to prevent the spread of Nipah beyond India.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah is a rare virus primarily transmitted from infected animals—mainly fruit bats—to humans. While it can be asymptomatic, severe infections can lead to encephalitis, respiratory problems, seizures, and death. Human-to-human transmission is possible, mainly through close contact with infected individuals.
Since its first identification in Malaysia in 1999, Nipah outbreaks have occurred mostly in Bangladesh, with occasional cases in India. Globally, around 750 cases have been reported, with over 400 deaths.
Symptoms include:
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Fever, headache, and muscle pain
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Neurological symptoms like confusion or drowsiness
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Severe respiratory issues
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Seizures and coma in critical cases
Treatment and vaccines:
There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine, though several candidates are under development. One vaccine, using technology similar to COVID-19 vaccines, began phase II trials in Bangladesh in December 2025, supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
While Nipah is highly dangerous, experts say it is unlikely to spread easily worldwide. Nevertheless, the WHO emphasizes it remains a serious public health threat, particularly in regions prone to outbreaks.