ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has enforced “strict and enhanced health surveillance” at all entry points after India confirmed two cases of the deadly Nipah virus, joining several Asian countries in stepping up screening of travelers amid regional health alerts.
The measures were announced through an advisory issued by Border Health Services - Pakistan following reports of Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal region.
“In view of the recent regional alert regarding Nipah Virus, as reported through international and regional public health surveillance mechanisms, including the WHO South-East Asia Region Epidemiological Bulletin, which has reported suspected cases of Nipah Virus infection in West Bengal, India, it has become imperative to further strengthen ‘preventive and surveillance measures at Pakistan’s borders,’” the advisory said.
It added that the decision was taken “considering the high case fatality rate, zoonotic nature, and potential for human-to-human transmission” of the virus.
To prevent cross-border transmission and ensure early detection, authorities decided to enforce “strict and enhanced health surveillance at all points of entry (POEs) with immediate effect,” according to the directive.
The instructions apply to “international airports, seaports, and ground / land border crossings, without any exception,” the statement said.
The advisory also highlighted that all in-charges at points of entry shall ensure “100% screening of all arriving passengers, transit passengers, crew members, drivers, helpers, and support staff. No individual shall be allowed entry into Pakistan without health clearance by Border Health Services – Pakistan,” the advisory stated.
It added that “mandatory verification of country of origin and complete travel and transit history for the preceding twenty-one (21) days shall be carried out for each and every traveler, irrespective of nationality or travel status.”
Officials were also directed to exercise “special vigilance for travelers originating from, or transiting through, Nipah-affected or high-risk regions,” warning that any false declaration or concealment of travel history would be reported to competent authorities for action.
Under the new protocol, all travelers will undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment. Screening staff have been instructed to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, headache, respiratory illness and neurological signs, including confusion or altered consciousness.
“Any individual consistent with suspected Nipah Virus case definition shall be immediately isolated at the Point of Entry, restricted from onward movement, and managed strictly in accordance with Infection Prevention and Control protocols,” the advisory said.
Suspected cases will be referred to designated isolation facilities or tertiary care hospitals, while aircraft, vessels or vehicles involved will be disinfected under approved procedures.
The advisory warned that any lapse in surveillance or infection control practices would be treated as serious negligence and said daily reports from all entry points would be shared with national health authorities.
“Any lapse in surveillance or IPC practices shall be treated as serious negligence,” the statement said.
Nipah threatens Asia
An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India's West Bengal state has sparked concern across Asia, prompting some countries to tighten airport screening.
Thailand has started screening passengers at three airports that receive flights from West Bengal. Nepal has also begun screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India, according to Radio Pakistan.
In India, the first Nipah outbreak was reported in West Bengal in 2001, AFP reported.
In 2018, at least 17 people died from Nipah in Kerala, and in 2023, two people died from the virus, also in the southern state.
The virus can spread from humans to humans and has a high death rate.
