Pakistan has recently confirmed its first monkeypox case of the year, following the diagnosis of a 34-year-old man from Mardan who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia. The case, reported by ARY News and confirmed by Khyber Medical University in Peshawar, marks the first instance of monkeypox in the country for 2024.
#BREAKING : Pakistan confirms Mpox cases, WHO has declared it as public health emergency of international concern.#monkeypox #Mpox #Mpox2024 #Sweden #WHO #HealthEmergency #Pakistan #PakistanMpox pic.twitter.com/Xv8iEAZQUZ
— upuknews (@upuknews1) August 16, 2024
The patient arrived in Pakistan on August 3 and began exhibiting symptoms shortly after reaching Peshawar. The diagnosis was confirmed on August 13. Health officials are currently engaged in contact tracing efforts to monitor individuals who may have been in close proximity to the infected individual, including fellow passengers from his flight.
In 2023, Pakistan recorded three monkeypox cases at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. All affected individuals were Pakistani citizens aged between 30 and 45, and were admitted to an infectious disease hospital for treatment.
Globally, monkeypox remains a significant health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths across 122 countries. The virus spreads through close contact and presents symptoms such as fever, rash, and body aches, typically lasting between two to four weeks. Despite its spread, the WHO notes that 99% of those infected recover fully.
🇵🇰 Monkeypox has reached the great nation of Pakistan, the health department in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province said on Friday.
“The viral infection was detected in the patients on their arrival from the United Arab Emirates, the department said”
The Arabian peninsula is… pic.twitter.com/rZjNhGot34
— Fozzie (@Fozzietheauzzie) August 16, 2024
Since April 2023, Pakistan has documented 11 cases of monkeypox, with one fatality. The National Institute of Health has issued guidelines for managing and preventing the spread of the virus, emphasizing the importance of public health vigilance.
Key Points:
i. Pakistan has reported its first monkeypox case of 2024, confirmed in a 34-year-old man who recently returned from Saudi Arabia.
ii. The diagnosis, confirmed by Khyber Medical University, was made on August 13, following symptoms that emerged after the patient’s arrival in Peshawar.
iii. Health officials are conducting contact tracing, including monitoring fellow flight passengers from Saudi Arabia.
iv. Monkeypox, a significant global health issue, has over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths worldwide, with symptoms including fever and rash.
v. In Pakistan, 11 cases have been reported since April 2023, with one resulting in death, prompting the National Institute of Health to issue preventive guidelines.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
