Border Health Services in Islamabad have issued an alert to various relevant agencies over potential concerns related to the Nipah virus, aiming to ensure preparedness in case of any emergency. Officials stated that the risk of the Nipah virus in Pakistan remains low and that all measures being taken are purely precautionary.
According to officials, Border Health Services has instructed hospitals to allocate dedicated beds for suspected Nipah patients, while PIMS Hospital has been directed to remain fully prepared for handling suspected Nipah cases arriving from Islamabad Airport.
Officials said that screening and surveillance for the Nipah virus have been further intensified at air, sea, and land entry points. Airports and border points have also been instructed to designate focal persons to oversee monitoring and response efforts.
Authorities added that all provincial governments have been directed to ensure the availability of trained medical staff and an effective referral system to manage potential Nipah cases efficiently.
In addition, the District Health Officer of Islamabad has been instructed to allocate special ambulances for suspected Nipah patients and to ensure 21-day monitoring of close contacts of suspected cases.
