ISLAMABAD: Authorities in South Asia and beyond have implement strict screenings following the confirmation of two Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal state.
The deadly virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 75%, can spread from animals to humans and, in rare cases, between people.
Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia have already increased airport screenings, while Pakistan has imposed strict health checks at all international entry points.
The measures aim to prevent the virus from spreading across borders, according to the Border Health Services-Pakistan (BHS-P) under the Ministry of National Health Services.
“In view of the suspected cases, and considering the high case fatality rate, zoonotic nature, and potential for human-to-human transmission, it has become imperative to strengthen preventive and surveillance measures,” the BHS-P advisory stated.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a rare, zoonotic infection primarily transmitted from infected animals, especially fruit bats, to humans.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus can also spread between people but this is inefficient and typically requires prolonged close contact.
The virus causes fever, muscle pain, headaches, and, in severe cases, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and respiratory complications.
Neurological problems, including seizures and personality changes, may persist in some survivors.
Mortality rates range from 40% to 75%, depending on local healthcare capacity.
No vaccines or approved antiviral treatments exist, though several candidates are in clinical trials.
Oxford University researchers, who developed one of the Covid-19 vaccines, began Phase II testing of a Nipah vaccine in Bangladesh in December 2025, supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
How does Nipah spread?
Nipah virus first emerged in Malaysia in 1999 among pig farmers. Initial outbreaks were linked to direct contact with sick pigs or contaminated animal products.
Since then, fruit bats of the Pteropus genus have been identified as the natural host.
Human infections often occur through consumption of fruit or raw date palm juice contaminated with bat saliva or urine.
Person-to-person transmission is possible but uncommon. It usually occurs in households or caregiving settings through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
How common are outbreaks?
Since its discovery, Nipah has caused sporadic outbreaks, primarily in Bangladesh and India.
Other countries with past outbreaks include Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
Global records indicate approximately 750 cases and 415 deaths historically, CEPI reports.
In South Asia, outbreaks tend to be localised and seasonal. Pakistan has not reported any human cases to date.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear 4 to 21 days after infection. Early signs include fever, headache, and muscle pain.
In severe cases, patients develop encephalitis, seizures, respiratory distress, and coma.
While some patients recover fully, long-term neurological issues may persist.
How can Nipah be prevented?
Health experts advise avoiding exposure to bats and sick animals, not consuming raw or partially fermented date palm sap, and washing or peeling fruit thoroughly.
Healthcare workers must follow strict infection prevention protocols, including contact, droplet, and airborne precautions.
People caring for infected individuals should use protective equipment and maintain good hygiene.
What should travellers know?
For tourists, the risk of contracting Nipah is low if standard precautions are followed.
Those visiting endemic areas, such as rural parts of Bangladesh or India, should avoid consuming raw date palm products and minimise contact with animals.
If symptoms appear during travel, seek immediate medical advice.
Returning travellers with symptoms should inform healthcare providers of recent travel history.
Why authorities are on high alert
Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued alerts to health departments, urging strict surveillance and readiness to respond immediately to any suspected cases.
“While no human cases have been reported in Pakistan, the situation in the region is serious,” said Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, Chief of NIH’s Centre for Disease Control.
Screening measures will remain in force until further notice, with all arriving passengers, crew, and staff subjected to thermal checks, health assessments, and verification of travel history for the previous 21 days.
Suspected cases will be immediately isolated and treated under strict infection control protocols.
