KARACHI: Infectious disease specialists at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have confirmed that there is no immediate threat of the Nipah virus to Pakistan, while stressing the importance of continued clinical vigilance and public health preparedness.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Faisal Mahmood, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Associate Chief Medical Officer at AKUH, along with Dr. Nosheen Nasir, Section Head of Infectious Diseases, explained that Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic infection, primarily transmitted from animals—particularly fruit bats—to humans. Human-to-human transmission, they emphasized, remains extremely rare at the global level.
According to the experts, only 10 cases of Nipah virus have been reported worldwide since 2025, out of which just two involved human-to-human transmission. The recent cases have been concentrated in parts of West Bengal and Kerala in India, as well as Bangladesh, regions that do not share borders with Pakistan and are geographically distant.
Dr. Faisal Mahmood stated that
“While Nipah is a serious infection, it does not pose an immediate concern for Pakistan at this time. In fact, the current rise in measles cases within the country is a more pressing public health challenge that requires urgent attention.”
The experts further clarified that Nipah virus is commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming food contaminated by bats, such as fallen fruits or raw date palm sap. They reassured that the virus is not spread through casual exposure, such as bats flying overhead.
Dr. Nosheen Nasir highlighted that early symptoms of Nipah virus infection—including fever, headache, and flu-like illness—can be misleading and, in some cases, may progress to severe brain inflammation (encephalitis). She stressed that timely medical consultation is crucial if such symptoms appear.
Commending the government’s decision to initiate screening of travelers at international airports and entry points, the panel described the measure as a positive step toward safeguarding public health. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, AKUH experts emphasized that early preparedness, effective coordination, and sustained community awareness are essential to strengthening national health resilience, rather than relying solely on reactive containment measures.
The experts advised the public to remain calm but cautious, avoid consuming fallen or partially eaten fruits, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop. They reiterated that informed vigilance—not panic—is key to protecting public health.
By prioritizing healthcare readiness today, the experts concluded, Pakistan can enhance its capacity to respond effectively to future public health emergencies and ensure public safety and confidence.