Pakistan Reports First MPox Case in Saudi Arabia Returnee

Post by : Elena Malik

Islamabad: Pakistan has confirmed its first monkeypox case of 2024 following the diagnosis of a man who recently returned from Saudi Arabia. According to ARY News, the Ministry of Health reported that the 34-year-old resident of Mardan, who arrived in Pakistan on August 3, developed symptoms soon after reaching Peshawar. He sought medical attention, and subsequent testing confirmed the diagnosis.

The Khyber Medical University in Peshawar confirmed the monkeypox case on August 13. This marks the first reported instance of monkeypox in Pakistan this year.

Health authorities have initiated contact tracing to identify and monitor individuals who may have been in close contact with the patient, including other passengers on his flight from Saudi Arabia. This proactive measure is aimed at controlling the potential spread of the virus.

In 2023, Pakistan reported three cases of monkeypox, all detected at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. These cases involved Pakistani citizens aged between 30 and 45, who were admitted to an infectious disease hospital for treatment.

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Globally, monkeypox continues to be a significant health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a total of 99,518 cases and 208 deaths across 122 countries. The virus, which spreads through close contact, causes symptoms such as fever, rash, and body aches, typically lasting between 2 to 4 weeks. Despite its spread, the WHO notes that the survival rate for those infected is around 99 percent.

In Pakistan, there have been a total of 11 reported monkeypox cases since April 2023, with one resulting in death. The National Institute of Health has issued guidelines for managing and preventing the spread of monkeypox, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and public health monitoring.

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