The Director General of Health, Sindh, issued an advisory on Thursday following the emergence of Nipah virus cases in neighbouring India, emphasising that no Nipah virus cases have been reported in Pakistan.

According to the Sindh Health Department, the Nipah virus is a deadly zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans.

All government and private hospitals have been instructed to take precautionary and protective measures and remain on alert.

Authorities have directed hospitals to follow the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Health.

Initial symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, cough, body aches, and vomiting.

Medical experts note there may be various causes for the new virus.

People are advised to consume fresh fruits and foods, avoid fruits or vegetables that have been kept for several hours, and wash food before use.

Nipah virus can cause severe respiratory illness and brain inflammation, and the situation is being closely monitored by health authorities, the advisory added.