Pakistan Voices Concern as Nipah Virus Outbreak Grows
Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar has warned that the Nipah virus outbreak in India could become a serious threat. The minister described the situation as “potentially serious” amid growing reports of new cases. His remarks came after sports journalist Saleem Khaleeq highlighted the risk to the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Khaleeq warned that the virus could impact the tournament, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. He suggested that foreign players might hesitate to travel to India due to health concerns. Khaleeq also mentioned that the ICC may consider shifting some matches to Sri Lanka if the situation worsens.
The Nipah virus outbreak has been reported in West Bengal, India. It has raised concern across Asia. The virus is known for its high fatality rate and lack of vaccines. Several countries have already tightened airport screening measures to prevent spread.
Countries Tighten Border Checks as Virus Spreads
Thailand has started screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at three major airports. Nepal is monitoring arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India. These steps aim to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health.
India has confirmed two cases in West Bengal since December. Both cases were reportedly among healthcare workers. Authorities traced 196 contacts, and all tested negative so far. The government is continuing surveillance and medical checks to prevent further spread.
Experts warn that Nipah virus spreads less easily than COVID-19. However, it is far more lethal. While COVID-19 has a death rate of about 1 to 2 percent, Nipah infections can kill 30 to 40 percent of those affected. This makes it a major public health concern.
The virus can spread from animals to humans. There is currently no vaccine or cure. This makes prevention and early detection crucial.
Nipah Virus: Transmission, Symptoms, and Past Outbreaks
The World Health Organization (WHO) says Nipah virus is a rapidly spreading virus that causes severe disease in animals and humans. It was first identified in 1998 among pigs in Malaysia. The virus can have a long incubation period of up to 45 days. This means an infected person may show symptoms weeks after exposure.
The virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated food. It can also spread from person to person in close contact. This increases the risk of wider outbreaks if early containment fails.
Symptoms in humans include difficulty breathing, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and encephalitis. Encephalitis, or brain inflammation, can be fatal. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links Nipah infections to severe brain damage.
Past outbreaks have caused serious losses. In 1998, over 100 people died in Malaysia. More than a million pigs were culled to control the spread. Bangladesh has also been severely affected, reporting over 100 deaths since 2001. India faced outbreaks in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007.
Kerala has recently been a hotspot. In 2018, 19 cases were reported, and 17 were fatal. In 2023, six cases were confirmed, two of which were fatal. These past outbreaks show the virus can re-emerge and cause severe consequences.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, the international cricket community is closely watching developments. Health authorities and cricket officials may need to make decisions based on the evolving situation. The safety of players and fans remains the top priority.
Health Ministry Orders Strict Screening at All Entry Points
To prevent cross-border spread and ensure early detection, Pakistan’s health ministry has ordered enhanced surveillance at all points of entry (POEs). This includes international airports, seaports, and land crossings.
The advisory stated that no individual will be allowed entry into Pakistan without health clearance from Border Health Services–Pakistan. It further stressed that strict screening measures must be enforced for all travellers.
Under the new instructions, 100% screening is mandatory for all passengers, transit travellers, crew members, drivers, helpers, and support staff. Officials will verify the country of origin and review complete travel history for the past 21 days. This process will apply to every traveller, regardless of nationality.
Special focus will be given to travellers arriving from or transiting through Nipah-affected or high-risk areas. Any false declaration will be documented and reported immediately. Authorities have emphasized that transparency is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.
“All travellers will undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment at the POE,” the advisory stated. Screening staff have been instructed to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, headache, respiratory issues, and neurological signs including confusion or drowsiness.
Suspected cases will be isolated and managed according to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. They will be referred to designated isolation facilities or tertiary care hospitals. The advisory also instructed that affected conveyances and surrounding areas be disinfected as per approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The health ministry emphasized strict compliance with IPC measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and environmental sanitation. Any lapse in these measures will be considered serious negligence.
Daily reports from all POEs must be recorded in the BHS-P system and shared with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point. The advisory noted that these measures will remain in force until further notice.
Meanwhile, other countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia have also taken urgent steps to prevent the Nipah virus from spreading beyond India. They have implemented airport temperature checks and other screening measures.
