Pakistan has confirmed its first case of m-pox (formerly known as monkeypox) for the year 2024, with the case reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mardan district.

The confirmation follows a series of measures by the Ministry of Health to address the potential spread of the virus.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, the prime minister's health coordinator, chaired a meeting to review the situation, confirming that the infected individual had travelled from a Gulf country. The case was identified through a positive result from a suspected m-pox case. The individual is currently in home quarantine due to minor symptoms.

The Ministry of Health has initiated contact tracing and is obtaining samples from additional individuals to ensure no further spread. Dr. Bharath emphasized the importance of rigorous monitoring at all points of entry and instructed Border Health Services to maintain stringent checks.

"The situation is under continuous surveillance, and we are taking comprehensive measures to manage m-pox effectively," Dr. Bharath stated. He noted that health staff will visit airports to enhance the screening and surveillance system, ensuring coordination with airport authorities and provincial governments.

He further said there were effective and comprehensive screening systems existed at airports, while provincial governments are also ensuring all necessary measures. The Ministry of Health is ensuring practical measures to keep people safe from diseases and epidemics, said Dr Bharath.

The Director of Public Health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported that while one new case has been confirmed this week, the other three cases are from previous instances. Since 2022, Pakistan has seen a total of three confirmed m-pox cases, all linked to travellers from Gulf countries.

Authorities are working closely with provincial governments to ensure all necessary precautions and evaluations for suspected cases arriving from abroad. Dr. Bharath assured that practical measures are being enforced to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of m-pox.

As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor and respond to any new cases, striving to maintain public safety and health.