Mpox: 3-Pakistanis test positive, returned from Gulf country

Pakistan has reported its first mpox cases of 2024 with three patients testing positive. Health authorities confirmed that the patients had recently returned from the UAE.

After Sweden, Pakistan has detected three patients diagnosed with the mpox virus, a viral infection that transmits through close contact, news agency Reuters reported, citing the health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The patients arrived in Pakistan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the department stated.

The first alleged instance of monkeypox in Pakistan this year has been documented, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) designates the virus as a worldwide health crisis.

This occurs as the virus quickly spreads in various countries, causing global concerns.

The Director of Public Health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revealed on Thursday that a potential case of monkeypox was identified in a Mardan resident who had just come back from the Gulf.

The patient is currently having mild symptoms, and a sample has been forwarded to the National Health Organization for verification. Meanwhile, officials are starting to trace contacts and gather samples from potentially exposed individuals.

Up to now, nine cases of monkeypox have been reported in Pakistan, including one death. The Ministry of Health has urged all provinces to appoint focal persons for monkeypox and directed Border Health Services to increase monitoring at entry points due to the escalating threat.

The NCOC conducted a meeting on Thursday to enhance screening systems at entry points, especially in response to the outbreak in Congo and other African countries.

Monkeypox, a virus infection with flu-like symptoms and rashes full of pus, is usually not deemed very risky but can result in death in extreme situations. The World Health Organization has stated that a different type of monkeypox is spreading across 13 African nations, and there is a significant rise in cases in the Congo.

The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that more than 15,000 monkeypox cases have been recorded in Africa this year, leading to 461 deaths—an increase of 160% from last year’s figures.

At present, the outbreak has impacted 18 countries, leading global health authorities to respond promptly.