Pakistan has recently reported a single case of Mpox, according to Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on National Health Services. The case, detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, involved an individual who had recently traveled from the Gulf region.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Dr. Ahmad assured the public that immediate action was taken to contain the virus. The affected person’s family members were promptly isolated to prevent further spread. Authorities have also been instructed to enforce strict precautionary measures at airports, with the screening process now fully activated.
Dr. Ahmad explained that Mpox, a virus transmitted through close contact, generally requires only fever and pain relief medications for treatment. Antiviral drugs are administered only if the patient’s condition worsens. He emphasized that there is no need for panic, as the mortality rate associated with Mpox remains low.
However, Dr. Ahmad advised individuals traveling from abroad to self-isolate if they experience symptoms such as rash, flu, fever, or body aches.
Global concern has grown over a new variant of Mpox, which appears to spread more easily through routine close contact. The first case of this new variant outside Africa was confirmed in Sweden on Thursday, linked to an outbreak in Africa. Despite this, the World Health Organization has not recommended any travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.