Nipah Virus spread in Pakistan from India; WHO gives warning to Pakistan
Shares
The National Health Agency has sent a warning message to federal and provincial health authorities. According to reports, the World Health Organization has stated that there is a significant risk of Nipah virus transmission in Pakistan.
However, the spread of Nipah virus cases among animals and humans in Pakistan is currently low, and there have been no reported cases. The transmission of Nipah virus from India to Pakistan is possible, possibly through fruit bats in border regions. Infected fruit bats can transmit the virus to humans through consumed fruits. People coming from other countries can also potentially bring Nipah virus to Pakistan.
The World Health Organization mentioned in the message that Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999 and can cause severe illness in both humans and animals. Last month, India reported 6 Nipah virus cases and 2 deaths. Nipah virus is transmitted from infected fruit bats and wild animals to humans.
The National Health Agency expressed concerns in the message and outlined the symptoms. Nipah virus symptoms can persist for 5 to 14 days and include persistent headaches, fever, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues. Nipah virus patients can enter a coma within 48 hours.
The World Health Organization has alerted the government of Pakistan and all provincial governments, stating that there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Nipah virus. Doctors should conduct detailed examinations of patients with fever and neurological disorders.
