Third Mpox Case of the Year Reported in Peshawar, Patient Returned from Middle East

M. Waqar Bhatti

Another individual who recently returned to Peshawar from the Middle East has tested positive for Mpox, bringing the total number of cases in Pakistan this year to three, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination reported on Friday.

The patient was identified at Peshawar Airport by a health desk set up to screen incoming travelers. According to a spokesperson for the health ministry, the individual showed symptoms of Mpox upon arrival and was immediately transferred to a hospital for further testing and treatment. Subsequent tests confirmed that the patient was positive for Mpox.

In the past two years, Pakistan has reported a total of 12 Mpox cases. This recent increase in cases has led health officials to reinforce monitoring efforts, particularly at major entry points like airports.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bhurt, a health coordinator, emphasized that an effective screening and surveillance system is operational at all airports. He noted that border health staff are diligently working to identify and manage potential cases, thereby ensuring public safety.

“We are committed to safeguarding the public from outbreaks through serious and sustained measures,” Dr. Bhurt assured. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond promptly to any new cases.

Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Although generally less severe than smallpox, Mpox can cause significant illness, especially in vulnerable populations.

Public health officials urge travelers to remain vigilant and report any symptoms to health authorities immediately.

Following the detection of multiple Mpox cases, Pakistan has requested vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and GAVI. The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad has begun discussions with these international bodies to secure a significant quantity of Mpox vaccines. These vaccines will primarily be designated for healthcare workers and infectious disease specialists who are on the front lines of managing and treating confirmed and suspected Mpox cases.

This initiative comes in response to the two recent Mpox cases involving individuals who returned from the Middle East. As a precaution, Pakistani health authorities have heightened surveillance at airports and other entry points to ensure suspected cases are promptly isolated and tested. Additionally, isolation wards and filter clinics have been established in major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar to handle any suspected cases.