Another case of mpox, also known as monkeypox, has been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), bringing the total number of cases in Pakistan to six, provincial Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah announced on Wednesday. This marks the sixth case in the country this year and the fifth since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after identifying a new variant of the virus in August.
The latest patient, a resident of Lower Dir in KP, was isolated after being screened at Peshawar Airport. A subsequent medical test confirmed the presence of the mpox virus, as reported by the National Institute of Health Islamabad. “A public health lab confirmed the presence of the mpox virus in the patient’s blood samples,” stated the KP health minister. The patient, who had returned from a Gulf country on September 7, was initially quarantined at home in Lower Dir.
According to Shah, the patient stayed at a hotel in Peshawar upon his return, visited a private clinic for treatment the next day, and was then transferred to Khyber Teaching Hospital. Mpox is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While typically mild, it can be fatal, particularly for children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Earlier this month, Peshawar reported its fourth mpox case, raising concerns that the city could be becoming a hotspot for the virus. The patient, a 47-year-old man, tested positive after being isolated by Border Health Services staff on August 29. He had also returned from the Gulf region, heightening fears about the virus’s spread from travelers arriving from the Middle East.
Federal Director General of Health Dr. Shabana Saleem emphasized the need for vigilance, noting that all recent cases involved individuals with a history of travel to the Gulf. “Peshawar appears to be turning into an epicenter for mpox cases,” she said. “This trend is alarming, and we are doubling our efforts to prevent further spread.”
In response to the rising number of cases, authorities have intensified measures to contain the virus, including stringent screening protocols at all airports. The spike in mpox cases in Peshawar has triggered concerns among health experts and the public, leading to calls for increased awareness and stricter travel guidelines.
Dr. Saleem urged the public to remain vigilant and comply with health advisories, especially those returning from high-risk regions. As the situation evolves, health officials are working diligently to prevent further transmission and protect public health.
