Two monkeypox cases detected in Islamabad

Isolation ward set up at Karachi airport where passengers with symptoms will be transferred

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD:

Two cases of monkeypox have been detected in Islamabad, originating from Saudi Arabia, according to officials who confirmed the development on Tuesday.

The identity of the victims has been kept confidential, and samples were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, which confirmed the presence of the virus.

An advisory issued by the Sindh Health Services Directorate General stated that the hospital administrations were required to establish a designated separate area with five to 10 rooms for isolation of monkeypox cases within 24 hours.

The area should include appropriate infection control measures including negative pressure, hand hygiene facilities, and personal protective equipment to provide safe and effective care for patients.

It added that it was imperative to be vigilant for detection of any suspected cases and ensure preparedness to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission of monkeypox disease in Sindh.

“If anyone presents with acute illness with fever >38.3°C (101°F), intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia and intense asthenia followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face (most dense) and then spreading elsewhere on the body, including soles of feet and palms of hands and along with travel history of epidemic countries where monkey cases are reported [they are suspected cases],” it added.

“Therefore, you [state-run and private hospital administrations] are requested to support for the suspected monkeypox cases by sharing information immediately  [with Additional Director Preventive Dr Saqib Sheikh Phone: [phone], email: [e-mail], official address: Director Health Services, Civic Centre, 6th Floor, Hassan Square, Karachi; and Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Unit in-charge at the Sindh Health Services Directorate General Dr Muhammad Asif Syed, Phone: [phone], Fax Number 022-9240100, 0333-2863477, email: [e-mail]/[e-mail] and official address: Director General Health Services Sindh, National Highway 5, adjacent Services Hospital, Phase 1 Qasimabad, Hyderabad] for timely and immediate required intervention at each level,” the advisory read.

Read Govt takes step to prevent monkeypox outbreak

It added that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had reported cases of monkeypox in 110 member states across all six WHO regions since January 2022.

“As of April 25, 2023, there have been 87,113 laboratory-confirmed cases and 130 deaths reported to WHO,” it continued.

The public has been urged to be vigilant for the detection of any suspected cases and ensure preparedness to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission of monkeypox disease in Sindh.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is similar to smallpox and can be fatal. The disease was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. The virus can be transmitted to humans from animals such as rodents and primates, and human-to-human transmission can also occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or respiratory droplets.

The authorities have advised the public to seek medical attention immediately if they develop these symptoms and have a travel history to affected areas.

“The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops,” it read.

The Sindh health department has put its staff at the Karachi airport on high alert and asked the them to wear protective clothing, masks and check the symptoms of monkeypox while checking the passengers.

If symptoms are found in passengers, they should be transferred to the isolation ward already set up at the Karachi airport.

Medical tests of these suspected patients should also be done immediately and reported to PDSRU Assistant Director Dr Fahad Memon at his cellphone number 03313373279.

Around 30 to 40 flights land at Karachi airport every day from other countries in which 5,000 to 7,000 passengers arrive in the city.

The Border Health Services has also issued guidelines to the country’s airports.

All passengers arriving in the country from abroad would be screened. Their travel documents would be sealed inside envelopes. The airline’s staff will wear protective gloves and masks.

To curb the spread of the virus, protocol services at the airports have been stopped. The health department employees will spray the luggage of passengers with germicide. Besides, they will also carry personal protective equipment kits.

Passengers departing to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah will be checked individually. The Civil Aviation Authority and Airport Security Force will enforce these guidelines.