Enhanced surveillance and screening for mpox, says Dr Mukhtar Ahmad

Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, announced on Saturday that the government has developed a comprehensive strategy to protect the public from the monkeypox (mpox) virus.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Ahmad assured the public that there is no need for alarm, as only one case of mpox has been reported in Pakistan so far.

He outlined that surveillance and screening measures have been implemented at all airports and entry points across the country to monitor potential cases. Dr Ahmad stated that laboratories in the provinces, including the federal capital, have been designated for the diagnosis of mpox.

He added that individuals arriving from Africa, America, and Gulf countries, where mpox cases have been reported, will be closely monitored.

Dr Ahmad emphasised that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both federal and provincial authorities have made mpox prevention a joint priority. The Ministry of Health is ensuring continuous daily monitoring of the situation, and the government is closely observing developments related to the virus.

Read also: PM orders tight vigilance against mpox amid global outbreak threat

To maintain a coordinated response, Dr Ahmad mentioned that the ministry is in constant communication with provincial health departments. He highlighted that following the prime minister’s directives, a daily review meeting is being conducted to assess the situation and implement necessary measures.

He urged the public to take precautions, particularly if they or their family members have a recent travel history to affected regions and exhibit symptoms of mpox. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad added in such a situation contact a qualified doctor and follow the doctor’s instructions in case of having any such symptoms.

Dr Ahmad provided further details on the global situation, noting that approximately 99,000 people worldwide have contracted mpox, with 200 fatalities reported.

He explained that symptoms typically take 10 to 15 days to appear and that prolonged contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.

He recommended that patients be quarantined and treated with fever-reducing medications.