The federal government has convened a high level review meeting in view of the potential threat of the Nipah virus, during which detailed discussions were held on virus prevention and government preparedness. According to sources, the meeting was held on the directions of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and was chaired by Secretary Health Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh.
The meeting was attended by Director General Health Dr Abdul Wali Khan, officials of the National Institute of Health, federal hospitals, IDSR and Border Health Services. The DG Health briefed the meeting on the current Nipah virus situation and government preparedness.
Sources said emergency measures are underway to prevent the transmission of the Nipah virus, while screening of passengers and staff at internal entry points of the country is continuing. Officials clarified that no case of Nipah virus has so far been reported in humans or animals in the country.
The meeting expressed concern over suspected Nipah virus cases reported in India and termed them a warning sign. Officials said that proactive and effective surveillance is essential to prevent the virus. In this regard, the surveillance and screening systems of the National Institute of Health and Border Health Services were also reviewed.
According to sources, the meeting also discussed isolation wards, trained staff and other preparedness measures in federal hospitals. The Ministry of Health stated that the Nipah virus spreads through fruit bats and pigs, while fruit bats are found in abundance in the mountainous regions of the northern areas and the Margalla Hills.
NIH officials stated that there is no scientific evidence of the presence or spread of the Nipah virus in the country and the overall risk remains low. However, the possibility of spread due to the presence of bats cannot be completely ruled out.
Officials said the National Institute of Health has the capacity to diagnose the Nipah virus and detection is possible through PCR kits. However, no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment is currently available for the virus.
The meeting emphasized that timely diagnosis and immediate isolation are crucial to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus. The Secretary Health directed relevant departments to ensure proactive and effective preventive measures.
