NIH issues alert as Nipah Virus threat looms over Pakistan
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The National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad has voiced apprehensions regarding the potential spread of the Nipah virus again within the country, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
In this regard, the NIH has issued a cautionary advisory about the Nipah virus to federal and provincial health authorities.
It warns that there is a risk of the Nipah virus being transmitted to Pakistan from bats residing in the Indian border areas.
The virus can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of fruit contaminated by these infected bats.
The NIH further cautions that the Nipah virus is transmitted to humans from infected bats and pigs.
The institute also pointed out that symptoms of the Nipah virus may persist for a duration ranging from 5 to 14 days. The symptoms include headaches, fever, and difficulty breathing, along with nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and drowsiness.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, the NIH stressed the need for effective surveillance measures at airports and border crossing points. The alert serves as a proactive measure to safeguard public health and prevent the potential spread of the Nipah virus in the country.
It is worth noting that there is currently no antiviral medication or vaccine available for the treatment of the Nipah virus.
Several cases of the Nipah virus have already been reported in India, primarily in the southern state of Kerala.
According to Indian media reports, this deadly epidemic virus has led to multiple fatalities in Kerala, with over 700 individuals being infected.