ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health confirmed on Friday that Pakistan has reported its second case of Monkeypox. The patient, who had traveled from the Gulf countries, was promptly identified and transferred to a hospital by the Health Desk at Peshawar Airport. Tests confirmed the presence of Mpox. The Ministry of Health is actively monitoring the situation.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, National Coordinator for Health, stated that a robust screening and surveillance system is in place at all airports. He emphasized the diligent work of border health staff and the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health against epidemics.
In response to the rising Mpox cases, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an urgent advisory on the global Monkeypox outbreak. The advisory outlines the current situation and provides guidance on prevention, detection, and response strategies.
The advisory calls for enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostic capabilities, and strong preventive measures. The public is urged to stay informed, practice good hygiene, and seek medical care if symptoms appear.
Recent developments include the identification of a new Mpox clade in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring regions. The outbreak has now affected all World Health Organization (WHO) regions, with 122 countries reporting a total of 99,518 confirmed cases and 208 deaths.
Since its first detection in April 2023, Pakistan has reported 11 confirmed cases and one death. The WHO has officially declared Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), with Mpox initially designated a PHEIC in 2022.
What is Monkeypox Virus?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. Although the virus’s natural reservoir remains unidentified, it is suspected to be carried by African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) and transmitted to humans. The disease is characterized by a rash that typically appears 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs. Additional symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 14 days, but can vary between 5 and 21 days, with the illness usually lasting between 2 and 4 weeks.
