Peshawar Emerges as Mpox Epicenter in Pakistan as Cases Rise to Five

The number of mpox cases in Pakistan has risen to five, following the confirmation of the virus in an air passenger at Peshawar. Health officials reported on Saturday, August 31, 2024, that a suspected case of the virus was also detected in Karachi. The situation has raised significant concerns among health authorities, particularly as they work to contain the spread of this infectious disease

Image credit: The Hindu

Recent Developments in Mpox Cases

Dr. Irshad Ali, Director of Public Health for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, stated that medical personnel at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar identified two travelers returning from Jeddah who exhibited symptoms consistent with mpox. After thorough screening, only one of the travelers, a 51-year-old man from Orakzai, was confirmed to have the virus. He is currently in stable condition and has been transferred to the Police and Services Hospital in Peshawar for treatment

The confirmed case is significant as it marks the fifth instance of mpox reported in Pakistan this year, with four of these cases emerging since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency on August 14. Dr. Shabana Saleem, the Federal Director General of Health, expressed alarm over the rising cases, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures

Peshawar as an Emerging Epicenter

Peshawar is increasingly being recognized as a potential epicenter for mpox in Pakistan. Dr. Saleem noted that all recent cases have involved individuals with a history of travel to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has been identified as a potential source of infection. "Peshawar appears to be turning into an epicenter for mpox cases," she stated, calling for immediate action to prevent further transmission of the virus

Authorities have ramped up health screening measures at airports across the country, ensuring that travelers are closely monitored for any symptoms associated with mpox. Dr. Saleem assured the public that effective screening systems are operational nationwide, and health officials are committed to safeguarding public health

Suspected Case in Karachi

In addition to the confirmed case in Peshawar, health officials in Karachi have reported a suspected mpox case involving a 32-year-old individual who recently traveled from Jeddah. This patient exhibited a maculopapular rash, a symptom commonly associated with mpox, and has been admitted to a designated hospital for further evaluation. Health officials are treating this case with the utmost seriousness and are prepared for all possible outcomes

Historical Context and Global Health Concerns

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been a public health issue in parts of Africa for over five decades. However, it gained renewed attention in 2022 when it began spreading beyond the African continent. The recent outbreak has been linked to a new strain of the virus, known as 'clade 1b,' which has caused thousands of suspected cases and hundreds of deaths, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The WHO's declaration of a global health emergency aims to galvanize a robust international response to the mpox outbreak, which has largely gone unnoticed in many regions, especially in Africa. In response to the growing threat, countries are implementing strict screening protocols for travelers arriving from affected regions

Preventive Measures and Public Health Response

In Pakistan, authorities have established a coordinated surveillance and response system to manage the mpox outbreak. Isolation wards have been set up in all districts, and Rapid Response Teams have been formed to address potential cases swiftly. As of now, no locally transmitted cases have been reported; all confirmed cases have been linked to international travel

Health officials have screened over 20,000 travelers at Bacha Khan International Airport and more than 21,000 at Torkham Crossing, demonstrating the country's commitment to preventing the spread of the virus. Laboratories across all provinces have been designated for mpox diagnosis, ensuring that health professionals can quickly identify and respond to new cases