ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (ABC): Pakistan has imposed strict and enhanced health screening at all entry points to stop the possible spread of the Nipah virus after regional alerts from India.
The Ministry of National Health Services issued the instructions through Border Health Services–Pakistan. Authorities enforced the measures with immediate effect. The rules apply to airports, seaports and land border crossings across the country.
Nipah virus spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats and pigs carry the virus. It can also spread through close human contact. Doctors say the virus can cause severe brain infection and respiratory illness. No approved vaccine or treatment exists.
All travellers to face mandatory screening
Officials will now screen every arriving and transit passenger. The order also covers crew members, drivers and support staff.
Border Health Services–Pakistan will issue health clearance at entry points. No traveller will enter the country without this clearance.
Officials will check the travel and transit history of every traveller for the last 21 days. The rule applies to all nationalities.
Staff will closely monitor travellers arriving from or passing through high-risk regions. Authorities will record and report false travel declarations immediately.
Thermal checks and isolation measures
All travellers will undergo thermal screening at entry points. Medical staff will also carry out clinical checks.
Screening teams will look for fever, headache and breathing problems. They will also watch for neurological symptoms, including confusion and drowsiness.
Authorities will isolate any suspected case at the entry point. They will stop onward travel immediately. Health teams will manage cases under infection prevention rules.
Officials will shift suspected patients to designated isolation facilities or tertiary hospitals. Authorities will disinfect the aircraft, vehicle or vessel used by the patient.
Strict compliance and daily reporting ordered
Health authorities have ordered strict compliance with infection control measures. These include the use of protective equipment, hand hygiene and sanitation.
Officials will treat any lapse as serious negligence.
All entry points must submit daily case or nil reports. Border Health Services–Pakistan will share the data with national authorities. The measures will stay in force until further notice.
NIH alerts provinces and health facilities
The National Institute of Health has issued a separate alert to provincial health departments and hospitals.
The institute said Pakistan has not reported any human case so far. However, it warned that the regional situation requires vigilance.
Doctors will continue supportive treatment only. Care focuses on fever control, breathing support and neurological management.
Health officials advised travellers to avoid contact with sick individuals. They urged returning travellers to seek medical help if symptoms appear within 21 days.
Experts advise preparedness, not panic
Health experts say the risk of spread to Pakistan remains low.
They note that Nipah outbreaks have occurred occasionally in South and Southeast Asia since 1998. The virus does not spread easily between humans.
Experts urged authorities to focus on early detection and rapid response. They also said airport screening alone cannot stop importation due to the long incubation period.