Date: August 16, 2024
Islamabad: Pakistan has reported its first three confirmed cases of monkeypox, according to a statement released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Wednesday. The cases have been identified in the cities of Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, marking the first known instances of the viral disease within the country.
The first case was detected in Karachi, where a 34-year-old male who recently returned from a business trip to the United Arab Emirates tested positive for the virus. The patient, who had been experiencing symptoms including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash, was immediately isolated at a government hospital.
In Lahore, a 28-year-old woman was diagnosed with monkeypox after visiting a local clinic with similar symptoms. The patient had no recent history of international travel, raising concerns of local transmission.
The third case, identified in Islamabad, involves a 42-year-old male who also returned from abroad. The man had recently traveled to a country currently experiencing a monkeypox outbreak.
The Pakistani government has responded swiftly to these developments. Health authorities have initiated contact tracing efforts to identify and monitor individuals who may have come into contact with the infected patients. Isolation facilities have been prepared in major hospitals across the country, and the public has been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to health advisories.
The Ministry of National Health Services has issued guidelines for healthcare providers to quickly identify and manage monkeypox cases. "We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus," said Dr. Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health.
In light of the reported cases, the NIH has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to regions with known outbreaks of monkeypox. Citizens are also urged to report any symptoms resembling monkeypox to healthcare providers immediately.
Monkeypox, which is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, can cause a range of symptoms including fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. While the disease is generally self-limiting, severe cases can occur, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals.
The cases in Pakistan come amidst a growing number of monkeypox reports globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring the situation closely, with several countries experiencing outbreaks over the past year. WHO has recommended that countries remain vigilant and strengthen their surveillance systems to quickly detect and respond to cases.
The emergence of monkeypox in Pakistan is a cause for concern but not panic, say health experts. The government’s prompt response and public awareness campaigns are critical in containing the virus's spread. Authorities continue to work with international health organizations to ensure that the public remains safe and informed.
As the situation develops, the Ministry of National Health Services will provide regular updates to keep the public informed and prepared.
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