The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has confirmed the country's third case of mpox, a virus related to monkeypox, in a 51-year-old man who recently returned from abroad.
The patient, a resident of Peshawar and identified during routine screening at the airport, was immediately transferred to the Police Services Hospital after showing symptoms of the virus, according to Dr. Irshad, the director of public health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The patient's condition is reported to be stable, and he is currently receiving treatment.
This case marks the third confirmed instance of mpox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year, raising concerns about the virus's spread in the region. The provincial Health Department is closely monitoring the situation.
According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health, the latest patient is a resident of Peshawar who recently returned from the Gulf countries. The ministry has initiated contact tracing to screen individuals who may have been in contact with the infected person.
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He said that after the recent emergency in Pakistan, the number of cases of mpox has increased to three, while the Border Health Services staff are working at all airports.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, the national health coordinator, emphasized that Pakistan has implemented an effective strategy to combat the spread of mpox, supported by a robust disease surveillance system that is strong worldwide. The federal and provincial governments are collaborating to ensure stringent measures are in place to prevent further cases, he added.
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Meanwhile, in Karachi, a passenger arriving from Jeddah on a private airline has been suspected of carrying mpox. The individual exhibited symptoms consistent with the virus upon arrival and was subsequently transferred to the Sindh Government Hospital in Nipa for further medical examination.
Health authorities in Karachi are taking all necessary precautions to prevent any potential outbreak.
The confirmation of mpox cases in various parts of Pakistan highlights the need for continued vigilance and public health measures to control the spread of the virus. Authorities are urging the public to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to protect themselves and others.
