Following the confirmation of the first case of monkeypox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the federal government has urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic, highlighting the low mortality rate associated with the virus. The Prime Minister’s Coordinator on National Health Services, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, assured that the situation is under control and that the government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to safeguard citizens from the virus.
Dr. Ahmad addressed a press conference on August 17, 2024, to provide an update on the outbreak and the government’s response. He emphasized that the detected case in Pakistan is isolated and that the overall risk remains low. According to Dr. Ahmad, the virus has been detected in 99,000 people globally, with only 200 deaths reported and the remainder of patients having recovered. He stressed that there is no need for widespread fear as the virus’s impact remains manageable.
The confirmed case in KP involved an individual who recently returned from the Gulf region. In response, the authorities have taken immediate action by isolating the affected person’s family members to prevent further spread. Dr. Ahmad highlighted that the government has established a thorough strategy to protect public health, including enhanced surveillance and screening measures at all points of entry.
Travelers arriving from Africa, the United States (US), and the Gulf countries will undergo screening as part of these measures. Dr. Ahmad noted that diagnostic laboratories for monkeypox have been set up across provinces and the federal capital to facilitate timely detection and response. This proactive approach aims to identify and manage cases swiftly and reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal and provincial governments are working closely to address the situation. The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of strict monitoring and has ordered comprehensive surveillance at all airports, ports, and borders. The Border Health Services (BHS) have been instructed to enhance their oversight and ensure rigorous screening procedures are in place.
Dr. Ahmad also provided information on the symptoms of monkeypox, noting that they can take 10 to 15 days to manifest. He advised individuals with travel history or symptoms of the virus to isolate themselves and seek medical advice promptly. He stressed that spending extended periods in close contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission and recommended quarantining patients to prevent further spread.
During an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government reiterated its commitment to controlling the outbreak. The Prime Minister acknowledged the World Health Organization’s (WHO) designation of monkeypox as a global public health emergency and highlighted the need for rigorous monitoring to prevent the virus from spreading further. He underscored the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to public health protocols.
Monkeypox is related to the smallpox virus, which has been eradicated, but the current form of the virus poses new challenges due to its increased transmissibility through close contact. The WHO has raised concerns about the ease with which this new variant spreads, citing recent outbreaks in Africa and the detection of a case in Sweden as indicators of its expanding reach beyond the continent.
The NDMA and health authorities are focusing on preventive measures and public awareness to manage the monkeypox situation effectively. The government’s comprehensive strategy and continuous monitoring are aimed at mitigating the impact of the virus and ensuring the safety and well-being of the population. As the situation evolves, the collaboration between federal and provincial authorities will be crucial in controlling the spread of monkeypox and addressing any emerging challenges.
