No mpox case reported in Punjab

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that no case of monkey pox has been reported in Punjab so far, while an alert has been issued to the authorities concerned.

The announcement came after a high-level working group meeting was held on Saturday, led by Provincial Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Imran Nazir. The meeting was held to review the current situation regarding the monkey pox virus. The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders, including officers, medical experts, representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Civil Aviation Authority and other technical experts.

The discussions focused on precautionary measures, diagnosis and treatment protocols to combat the potential spread of the virus.

In line with WHO guidelines, it was decided that healthcare workers in isolation wards would be vaccinated as a first step in preventing any outbreak.

Salman Rafique emphasised that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being prepared to respond swiftly to any potential cases of monkey pox.

Khawaja Imran Nazir reassured the public, "There is no immediate threat from monkey pox, but caution is necessary."

He also noted that airport authorities have been instructed to screen passengers for the virus, and the Institute of Public Health (IPH) has been directed to train master trainers for this purpose.

During the meeting, Dean of the Institute of Public Health, Professor Zarfashan Tahir, briefed participants on the status of monkey pox, Zika virus and other infectious diseases.

Instructions were also given to alert and provide advanced training to healthcare staff in isolation wards at six selected government hospitals. The meeting was also attended by Special Secretary Muhammad Iqbal, Additional Secretaries Dr Yunus and Dr Waseem, CDC Director Dr Yadullah, WHO representative Dr Jamshed, Dr Khalil and other officials.