As concerns about monkeypox continue globally, Pakistan has reported two new cases, bringing the total to three for 2024. All cases are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the latest confirmations announced on Friday. The individuals affected contracted the virus after returning from an Arab country. Following the confirmation of the country’s first case in Peshawar on August 15, airport surveillance throughout Pakistan has been increased.
The National Health Ministry issued a health advisory after the initial case was detected. A man from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who had recently traveled from the Gulf countries, tested positive for the virus. The patient, who showed mild symptoms, had samples sent to the National Institute of Health for confirmation. Contact tracing is underway to gather additional samples, and all provinces have been directed to appoint focal persons for monkeypox.
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Border Health Services have been instructed to implement stringent monitoring at all entry points, and the National Institute of Health has provided preventive guidelines. Authorities are setting up isolation wards in designated hospitals, stocking antiviral medications, and ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
So far, there have been 99,518 confirmed cases and 208 deaths globally across 122 countries. Additional samples from close contacts of the patients are being collected, and heightened monitoring is in place at entry points to prevent further spread.
Pakistan’s first case was confirmed shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency. Over the past year, Pakistan has reported 10 confirmed cases of monkeypox, all linked to travelers from the Middle East and other regions. The recurrence of cases among travelers highlights the importance of rigorous border screening and monitoring.
