Pakistan reports three mpox cases

At least three patients with mpox virus have been found so far in Pakistan, it emerged on Friday as the government decided to strengthen the screening system at the airports.

The mpox detection in Pakistan is the first in Asia and it might be more easily transmitted. The World Health Organisation has declared the spread of mpox a global health emergency.

All three patients belong to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest, the militancy-whacked region bordering Afghanistan.

Salim Khan, the director general of health services for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that two patients were detected on their arrival from the United Arab Emirates, while a third patient’s samples had been sent to the National Health Institute in Islamabad for confirmation.

According to the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Health, the last patient in whom this virus was found belongs to the Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is not yet clear which strain of mpox the said patient contracted and whether it is the same variant that was first confirmed outside of Africa in Sweden.

“Contact tracing of the affected person has been started and samples of more people are being obtained,” the spokesman said.

Officials said that all three patients were being quarantined and their contact tracing was going on.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Health also issued an advisory on the disease on Thursday, which states that “the screening system at airports and entry points is being further strengthened.”

Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath says that federal hospitals have been instructed to take precautionary measures and the Ministry of Health and Border Health Services are “alert to deal with any kind of situation.”

The WHO declared the outbreak of mpox in parts of Africa as a cause of international concern and a threat to public health.

The highly contagious disease, formerly known as ‘monkeypox’, killed at least 450 people in the Republic of Congo. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses as smallpox but is less harmful.

The virus was originally transmitted from animals to humans, but now it is also transmitted from humans to humans. (PTI)

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Iran executes 3 more prisoners it accused of spying for Israel

Dubai, June 25: Iran executed three more prisoners Wednesday...

Four killed in blast near Afghan border in Pakistan’s KP

Peshawar, June 25: At least four persons were killed...

Aurangzeb tomb row: HC grants bail to nine accused held for riots in Nagpur

Nagpur, June 25: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday...

Astronaut Shukla carries hopes, aspirations of 140 crore Indians: PM Modi

New Delhi, June 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on...

Nine men trapped in swollen Tawi river rescued in Jammu

Jammu, June 25: Nine men were rescued Wednesday in...

Mizoram Child Rights Commission demands stringent punishment against man for sexual abuse

Aizawl, June 25: Mizoram State Commission for Protection of...

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on space odyssey

New Delhi, June 25: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla scripted...

Chopra emerges winner at Golden Spike meet, joins coach Zelezny among title winners

Ostrava (Czech Republic), June 25: Indian javelin throw superstar...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img