NIH Issues Advisory on Potential Nipah Virus Risk in Pakistan

The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Center for Disease Control (CDC) has officially assessed the potential for Nipah virus (NiV) transmission in Pakistan.

In an advisory statement, Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan, the CDC Chief, highlighted that as of now, no NiV cases have been reported in the country. Nevertheless, he cautioned against disregarding the possibility of NiV emergence in Pakistan due to various factors, including the presence of bat species known to be the virus’s source, international travel, and the proximity to India.

Dr. Khan assured the public that the NIH is actively monitoring the situation and urged them not to panic, as established mechanisms are in place to prevent, detect, and respond to potential health crises.

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Additionally, the NIH has directed authorities at entry points across the nation to maintain vigilance. The advisory emphasized that raising awareness about risk factors and implementing preventive measures is crucial in reducing the risk of NiV exposure and transmission.

The NIH outlined specific steps to prevent the virus from spreading if a potential NiV patient is identified, such as conducting contact tracing, isolating affected individuals, and ensuring their separation from others.

Furthermore, the public has been advised to thoroughly wash fruits before consumption and to avoid consuming partially eaten fruits, which could be contaminated with secretions from fruit bats.