The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Pakistan has issued a low-risk advisory in response to reported cases of the Nipah virus in South India. The advisory was issued on the directives of the Federal Minister for Health, emphasizing precautionary measures. While no cases of the Nipah virus have been reported in Pakistan, the Ministry of Health’s spokesperson clarified that the low-risk advisory is for the general public.
The Nipah virus is known to be transmitted to humans through contact with bats and pigs. Previous cases of the Nipah virus have been documented in countries such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. Dr. Nadeem Jan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, assured that the ministry is actively monitoring the situation. The National Institute of Health and Border Health Services have been instructed to take necessary steps to strengthen the health services system at the borders.
Dr. Nadeem Jan highlighted that the Nipah virus affects both humans and animals and stressed the importance of implementing the recommendations of the International Health Regulations to safeguard the public from diseases and epidemics.
The Nipah virus, first identified in 1998 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, poses a zoonotic risk, primarily transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected bats and pigs. There is currently no specific vaccine or cure for the infection, and supportive care is the usual treatment. The mortality rate for Nipah virus infection is around 70%, making it a serious public health concern.
The Ministry of Health’s advisory aims to raise awareness and encourage preventive measures among the public to mitigate the risk of Nipah virus transmission.
