K-P hospitals asked to establish mpox wards

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) health department has directed all public sector hospitals in the province to reserve separate wards or isolation rooms for monkeypox patients.

The health department has also appointed Director Public Health Dr Irshad Ali as focal person on monkeypox.

In this regard a letter has been sent to the district health officers (DHOs) of all districts and medical superintendents (MSs) of all the hospitals directing them to appoint a focal person and submit their names to the department.

“Hospitals have been ordered to establish separate wards for the monkeypox cases where infection control measures are applied along with negative pressure, hygiene facilitators along with ensuring presence of personal protective equipment,” said an official of the health department while talking to The Express Tribune.

According to the given instructions, it is stated that the symptoms of the monkeypox virus may manifest within a range of one to three days, and the incubation period for affected individuals can vary from seven to 14 days, or in some cases, from five to 21 days. Once the incubation period has ended, symptoms are likely to appear.

To prevent the spread of the virus, officials from the health department have implemented special measures at the Bacha Khan International Airport. They will closely monitor individuals who are suspected of having monkeypox and will send them to a laboratory for further evaluation.

It is crucial to follow these protocols to help contain the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of the general public. By staying vigilant and taking necessaray precautions, we can effectively mitigate the risks associated with monkeypox. Dr Irshad Ali said that screening of travelers coming from abroad started at the airport and a 20-strong team of health department has been deployed in this regard.

“Out of the 20 men 13 have been provided by the health department while seven staffers have been provided by central establishment and so far 150 passengers have been screened,” he said.

So far no monkeypox case has surfaced in the K-P and two hospitals have been reserved for the treatment of such cases, he said, adding that those entering Pakistan through Torkham Crossing will be treated in Landi Kotal Hospital while those entering Pakistan by air will be treated at Police Service Hospital.

Similarly, Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) has been reserved for cases coming from across the province.

“Those people who arrive by air, their complete details are shared with the DHOs concerned where they are quarantined and put under strict surveillance,” he said. “If monkeypox symptoms appear then other protocols are applied accordingly,” he said.

Background

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. Their samples were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, which confirmed the presence of the virus.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2023.