The National Institute of Health has said the risk of occurrence of Nipah virus (NiV) in Pakistan is low. However, it has urged authorities at entry points across the country to remain vigilant. The virus, according to the World Health Organisation, was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. It can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as pigs and bats) or contaminated food and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus. There is no treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals. The primary treatment for humans is supportive care.
