US EditionPakistan becomes latest Asian country to introduce checks for deadly Nipah virus
Pakistan requires 100% screening of all arrivals, transit passengers, and crew to prevent Nipah virus importation amid regional cases and a 40-75% fatality rate, officials said.
- On Jan 29, Border Health Services-Pakistan issued a nationwide advisory enforcing strict health protocols at all entry points after India confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal.
- After India confirmed two cases in West Bengal, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam tightened screening as the World Health Organization flagged Nipah as a priority pathogen with no vaccine.
- BHS-P mandated thermal screening and clinical assessments, requiring 100pc screening at entry points; entry-point screening staff will verify 21-day travel histories and isolate suspected cases with referral to designated tertiary-care hospital or isolation facility.
- Experts in Pakistan noted the immediate risk remains low despite heightened surveillance, while authorities directed provincial health departments to designate at least one tertiary-care hospital and strengthen laboratory safety and rapid-response teams.
- CEPI reports 750 confirmed Nipah infections with 415 deaths and funds vaccine trials, while traveller screening is limited due to incubation periods up to 45 days and symptoms appearing 9 to 14 days after exposure.
22 Articles
22 Articles
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Health experts warn of ‘real risk’ incurable virus poses to the U.S. as Covid-era quarantines grow | 29 Jan 2026 | More countries are implementing screening measures, while others are tightening the ones they already have in place after a deadly bat-borne virus was detected in humans. India has so far confirmed two cases of Nipah virus. On Thursday, Pakistan became the latest country to order enhanced screening of people entering the country to …
Nipah virus advisory issued
Following reports of Nipah virus cases in India, the Director General Health Sindh has issued an advisory, directing health authorities to remain vigilant and take preventive measures. According to the Sindh Health Department, the situation is being closely monitored. The advisory instructs all public and private hospitals to stay on high alert and strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health. Health officials have cla…
The Independent
The Independent (US)All arrivals to be screened for Nipah virus in Pakistan
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