KARACHI – Medical experts have addressed the rising concerns regarding the Nipah virus, stating that no cases have been reported in Pakistan and the country currently faces no direct threat from the disease.
The clarification came during a roundtable conference held at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Leading experts, including Dr. Faisal Mahmood (Associate Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Diseases Expert) and Dr. Nosheen Nasir (Section Head of Infectious Diseases), shared key insights to dispel public anxiety.
Expert Analysis and Global Trends
Experts noted that Nipah virus cases remain extremely limited worldwide, with only 10 cases reported globally last year. While cases have been observed in Eastern India and Bangladesh, experts emphasized that these do not pose a direct threat to Pakistan. Dr. Nosheen Nasir explained that Nipah is a zoonotic infection, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, while human-to-human transmission is rare. Dr. Faisal Mahmood further stated that there is currently no need for mass screening in Pakistan, adding that any suspected cases would be handled by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Precautionary Measures and Public Health
While the risk is low, experts advised the public to maintain basic hygiene by washing hands frequently, cleaning fruits thoroughly before consumption, and avoiding fruits that appear partially eaten by birds or animals. The conference concluded by shifting focus to more pressing local health issues, noting that diseases such as Measles, Chickenpox, HIV, and Hepatitis C currently pose a much greater challenge to Pakistan’s public health system than the Nipah virus.
