Peshawar(The COW News Digital)Health experts in Pakistan have reassured the public that there is currently no direct threat of Nipah virus in the country, despite the presence of bats, which are known carriers of the virus. The announcement comes amid global concerns over rare but severe cases reported in parts of Asia.
During a roundtable conference on infectious diseases at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), specialists including Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Faisal Mahmood and Section Head of Infection Diseases Dr. Nosheen Nasir provided a detailed briefing on the global situation of Nipah virus, its potential risks for Pakistan, and preventive measures.
According to the experts, Nipah virus cases are extremely limited worldwide. Only 10 cases were reported globally last year, and the first known outbreak occurred in Malaysia in 1998. Pakistan has not recorded any cases, and current reports from eastern India and Bangladesh do not pose a direct threat to the country.
Dr. Nasir explained that Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. While bats are natural carriers, transmission from an infected human to another person is rare, which explains the limited number of cases reported globally. She emphasized that the virus does not spread easily under normal circumstances, and the general population has little reason for concern.
Experts also highlighted that the current situation provides a valuable opportunity for Pakistan to assess its preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks at a national level. Hospitals and health authorities continue to monitor for potential threats and maintain guidelines for early detection and containment of viral infections.
The AKUH specialists urged the public to focus on basic preventive health measures, such as avoiding direct contact with bats or other wild animals, maintaining hygiene, and seeking medical attention if unusual symptoms appear after potential exposure.
While the Nipah virus remains a serious health concern in certain regions of Asia, Pakistani authorities and health experts stress that the risk to Pakistanis is minimal at present. They continue to monitor the global situation closely and remain ready to respond to any future threats if necessary.
This proactive approach underscores Pakistan’s commitment to public health safety and infectious disease preparedness, ensuring that rare viral threats like Nipah do not escalate into larger public health emergencies.
