Two additional cases of mpox, also known as monkeypox, have been confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), bringing Pakistan’s total to three this year. The provincial health department confirmed these new cases on Friday, marking an alarming resurgence of the viral disease in the country.
The detection of these cases follows the report of the first suspected mpox case just a day earlier, prompting the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to issue an advisory on preventive measures. Salim Khan, Director General of Health Services in KP, confirmed that two of the patients had tested positive for mpox, while the third patient’s samples have been sent to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Islamabad for confirmation. All three individuals are currently in quarantine.
The health department revealed that these cases were identified upon the patients’ return from the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about the spread of the disease through international travel. Although Pakistan has previously reported cases of mpox, it remains unclear which variant of the virus is currently affecting these patients. Health ministry spokesperson Sajid Shah stated that genome sequencing of the confirmed cases is underway, with results expected to provide clarity on the strain involved.
Global Health Response and Vaccine Efforts
The recent spike in mpox cases in Pakistan comes amidst a broader global health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, its highest level of alert. The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has now spread to neighboring countries, further complicating global containment efforts.
To date, the DRC has reported over 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, with children being disproportionately affected. This year alone, 548 fatalities have been recorded in the DRC due to the disease. Globally, health officials are also monitoring new strains of the mpox virus, including a variant recently identified in Sweden, linked to the ongoing African outbreak.
In response to the growing threat, Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic is seeking European approval to expand the use of its mpox vaccine to children aged 12 to 17. Currently, the vaccine is only approved for those 18 and older. Bavarian Nordic’s CEO, Paul Chaplin, highlighted the urgency of this measure, noting that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable in the current outbreak. The company has already submitted clinical data to the European Medicines Agency, demonstrating the vaccine’s efficacy and safety in younger populations.
Public Health Advisory and Expert Insights
As the situation unfolds, public health officials in Pakistan are urging the population to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against mpox and other vector-borne diseases. Dr. Syed Faisal Mahmood, an infectious disease specialist, emphasized the importance of early detection and timely intervention to curb the spread of the virus. While mpox currently poses a low risk to the general population, its high transmissibility makes caution essential, especially for those traveling to or from affected regions.
Read More: Freelancers Face Setbacks Amid Nationwide Internet Disruptions
Dr. Mahmood outlined the key symptoms of mpox, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash or blisters. He also stressed the need for public education and awareness to prevent the spread of the disease. “Awareness and prompt action can significantly reduce infection risks,” he noted, urging community-level efforts to enhance understanding and prevention of mpox and other emerging health threats.
In addition to mpox, Dr. Mahmood warned of the growing risks associated with diseases like Zika and dengue, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. He advised those at risk to take preventive measures, including using insect repellents and wearing protective clothing, to mitigate the dangers posed by these vector-borne illnesses.
As Pakistan continues to monitor and respond to the evolving mpox situation, health officials remain committed to safeguarding public health and preventing further spread of the virus.