Federal Secretary Health Hamed Yaqboob Shaikh on Friday presided over a high-level meeting to review measures to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus in the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Officials were briefed that, on the directions of Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure early detection, rapid response and coordinated management of any suspected Nipah virus case.
The chair told participants that although no Nipah virus infections have been detected in Pakistan, either in humans or animals, ecological conditions in neighbouring countries require sustained alertness and preparedness rather than complacency.
Director General of Health Dr Abdul Wali Khan informed the meeting that Nipah is a zoonotic virus with natural reservoirs in fruit bats and pigs, and that all documented outbreaks to date have occurred in Asian countries.
He noted that fruit bats, recognised globally as the natural reservoir of the virus, are present in Pakistan, particularly in northern and forested regions, but emphasised that no scientific evidence exists of active Nipah circulation within the country.
Officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH) told the forum that Pakistan's overall risk remains low, though it cannot be completely ruled out because of the presence of the animal reservoir and regional travel movements.
NIH officials confirmed that Pakistan has adequate laboratory capacity and diagnostic kits to test suspected cases promptly, adding that the absence of an approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment makes early detection and isolation critical.
BHS representatives briefed the meeting that enhanced screening of inbound travellers is underway at airports and land crossings, including thermal screening and travel history assessment, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk regions.
Authorities noted that there are no direct flights between Pakistan and the country where the latest cases were reported, yet transit histories covering the previous 21 days are being reviewed as a precautionary measure.
Health experts reiterated that Nipah is a highly fatal disease, with past outbreaks showing case fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, causing severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, though it is not easily transmitted between people.
Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk