Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 01, 2024 2 weeks, 19 hours, 44 minutes ago
Medical News: Peshawar Confirms Pakistan’s Fourth Mpox Case
In a concerning development, health authorities in Pakistan confirmed the fourth case of mpox in the country on Sunday. The latest patient, a 47-year-old resident of Peshawar, was isolated after being identified by border health staff at Peshawar Airport. This case adds to the growing list of mpox infections in Pakistan, raising concerns about the spread of the virus, particularly the Clade 2b variant.
Fourth case of Mpox clade 2b infection detected in Pakistan
Image of sexually neglected goats in Pakistan. AI generated
Mpox Outbreak: A Global Public Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, following the identification of the more transmissible and lethal Clade 1b variant. The strain, first detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has spread to various countries, triggering heightened monitoring and preventive measures worldwide.
The WHO's declaration has led to increased vigilance globally, with countries stepping up their screening protocols, especially at airports and border entry points, to prevent further spread of the virus.
However, the Clade 2b variant which emerged in 2022 is also spreading around and globally and is causing concerns. The Clade 2b variant has raised particular concern due to its ease of transmission through routine close contact.
Screening and Isolation Measures in Pakistan
In response to the health emergency, Pakistan has implemented strict screening protocols at all airports and border entry points. On August 29, the 47-year-old patient, who had recently returned from Gulf countries, was isolated by the Border Health Services after displaying symptoms consistent with mpox. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the infection.
Dr. Irshad Ali Roghani, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Public Health Director, stated that the patient was immediately transferred to the Police and Services Hospital (PSH) in Peshawar for treatment. The rapid response team collected samples from the patient’s lesions, which were sent to the Public Health Reference Laboratory. The lab results confirmed the presence of the mpox virus.
The patient is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment. This case marks the fourth confirmed mpox infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, although no local transmission has been reported so far.
Pakistan’s Response to the Mpox Outbreak
The health ministry clarified that the first mpox case detected in Pakistan was of the Clade 2 variant, while the subsequent cases, including the most recent one, were confirmed to be of the Clade 2b variant. The ministry emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Pakistan's health authorities have been on high alert since the WHO’s declar
ation. The country has been actively monitoring travelers and has established an integrated surveillance and response system to detect and manage any new cases promptly.
Dr. Mukhtar Bhart, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the public from the mpox outbreak. He stated that practical measures are being implemented across the country to prevent the spread of the virus. He told local media and
Medical News journalists, “We are committed to ensuring all possible measures to protect the public from epidemics.”
Global Implications of the Clade 2b Variant
The Clade 2b variant of mpox, while not as severe as some other variants, still poses a significant threat due to its potential to spread quickly.
Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, the WHO has not recommended any travel restrictions at this time. However, countries are advised to maintain heightened surveillance and ensure that health systems are prepared to respond to any new cases.
Conclusion: Vigilance and Preparedness Key to Containing Mpox
As the mpox outbreak continues to unfold, Pakistan’s health authorities remain vigilant. The detection of the fourth case in Peshawar underscores the importance of early detection, isolation, and treatment to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The government’s swift response, including enhanced airport screenings and the isolation of suspected cases, highlights the commitment to safeguarding public health. As the situation evolves, ongoing coordination between provincial and national health departments will be crucial in managing and containing the outbreak.
For the latest Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/concerns-rise-as-new-virulent-mpox-variants-could-have-possibly-originated-from-u-s-niaid-labs
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/evidence-of-cardiac-complications-in-mpox-infections
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