Pakistan detected its first cases of mpox, also known as monkeypox, following the latest global outbreak in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of alert. Pakistan's National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has also released an advisory outlining measures to address the disease. However, there is no cause to panic yet, as the country has dealt successfully with earlier cases and managed to contain the spread of the disease. While the number of cases is not high enough to cause widespread alarm, it is sufficient to trigger heightened awareness and preventive measures.
The country can ill afford a new health emergency due to the current economic realities and the state of its health infrastructure. The disease is not new; it was first identified in 1970 and has reemerged periodically since then. The WHO has provided a comprehensive list of symptoms for mpox, including skin rash, lesions, swollen lymph nodes and fever. The organisation has stated that mpox is transmitted through contact with infected humans, animals and surfaces and that the smallpox vaccine can offer protection against the disease. A wider outbreak can be prevented with a well-informed populace and health personnel who are equipped to effectively address the hazards.
To this end, measures such as deploying task forces at airports to screen passengers from international flights, establishing an overseeing body to monitor disease prevention and setting up isolation and diagnostic facilities are essential steps to ensure safety. With the smallpox vaccine having 85% effectiveness against mpox, steps should be taken to ensure an ample supply in case the number of cases in the country increases. Prevention is better than cure.
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