On Friday, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination in Pakistan confirmed a new case of mpox, marking the second instance of the viral disease in the country this year. The virus was detected in an individual who had recently returned to Peshawar from a Gulf country. The patient, a 47-year-old resident of Nowshera, exhibited symptoms of mpox upon arrival at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, prompting immediate action from health officials.
The screening process at the airport’s health desk identified the patient as a potential case, leading to a swift transfer to a hospital for further testing and treatment. Subsequent laboratory tests at Khyber Medical University Lab confirmed that the patient was positive for mpox. This recent case adds to the total of twelve mpox cases reported in Pakistan over the past two years, with the first case of 2024 having been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last week.
Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health for the National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, emphasized that an effective system for screening and surveillance is operational at all airports. He highlighted the dedication of border health staff who are working diligently to manage the situation and ensure public safety. The Pakistani government is taking substantial measures to control the spread of mpox and protect the population from potential outbreaks.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms of mpox include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While generally less severe than smallpox, mpox can cause significant illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Dr. Irshad Rugani, the Director of Public Health for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provided further details about the patient. According to Dr. Rugani, the individual was identified as a suspected case by the medical team at the airport and was subsequently tested at Khyber Medical University Lab, which confirmed the diagnosis. The rise in mpox cases this year has prompted health officials to enhance their monitoring and response efforts, particularly at major entry points like airports.
In response to the growing number of cases, Pakistan has requested mpox vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and GAVI. The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad has initiated discussions with these international bodies to secure a substantial supply of vaccines. These vaccines are primarily intended for healthcare workers and infectious disease specialists who are on the front lines of managing and treating mpox cases.
Public health officials have urged travelers to remain vigilant and report any symptoms to health authorities promptly. Following the detection of recent cases, Pakistani health authorities have strengthened surveillance and precautionary measures at airports and other entry points to ensure that suspected cases are quickly isolated and tested. Isolation wards and filter clinics have been established in major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar to manage and treat suspected cases effectively.
The increase in mpox cases has underscored the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. The Pakistani government’s proactive approach, including enhanced screening, increased surveillance, and the procurement of vaccines, aims to mitigate the impact of the disease and protect public health. As the situation evolves, ongoing coordination with international health organizations and rigorous monitoring at entry points will be crucial in managing and controlling the spread of mpox in Pakistan.
