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Pakistan has placed its health system on high alert following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India, with authorities moving swiftly to tighten screening at all entry points across the country.
The Ministry of National Health Services has directed that all incoming and transit passengers at airports, seaports and land borders have to undergo mandatory screening. Under the directive, travelers will not be allowed to enter the country without approval from Border Health Services (BHS).
According to the advisory, thermal checks and basic medical assessments are now compulsory for travelers entering Pakistan. Officials have also been instructed to carefully review passengers’ travel history for the past 21 days, particularly for those arriving from or passing through high-risk areas. Passengers displaying symptoms linked to the Nipah virus will be immediately isolated, and entry will not be permitted without medical clearance. Health authorities have also strengthened coordination with provincial departments and border agencies to ensure a rapid response if needed.
While Pakistan has not reported any confirmed case so far, officials say the measures are precautionary. In India, several cases have been detected in West Bengal, prompting neighboring countries to raise their guard. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Nepal have also begun screening travelers amid concerns of cross-border transmission.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. It is known to cause severe respiratory problems and brain inflammation, and past outbreaks have shown a high fatality rate. The virus spreads mainly through close contact, contaminated food or bodily fluids, making early detection critical.
Health authorities have urged the public to stay calm, avoid unnecessary panic and follow basic health precautions. Early preventive action can help limit risk before it turns into a wider problem.
