Second mpox case confirmed in K-P

PESHAWAR:

In a development that has triggered a wave of concern across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the province has reported its second confirmed case of mpox, bringing the total number of patients to two. The latest case was confirmed by K-P Director of Public Health Dr Irshad Roghani.

The patient, a 47-year-old man from Nowshera, had recently returned to Pakistan from Dubai. His journey ended with an unexpected twist when routine screening at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar revealed symptoms consistent with mpox.

He was immediately isolated at the Police Services Hospital Peshawar where healthcare professionals quickly moved to confirm the diagnosis.

According to Dr Roghani, the patient was subjected to a thorough medical examination after exhibiting symptoms such as fever, rashes, and body aches—common indicators of Mpox. Samples were promptly sent to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Public Health Reference Lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a reliable method for detecting the virus.

The test results confirmed the presence of mpox, adding to growing concerns about the virus's potential spread within the province.

To ensure accuracy and gather more data on this case, additional samples have been dispatched to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, he added.

Mpox: a growing concern

The first mpox case in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was reported just last week in Mardan, prompting an immediate response from the Provincial Outbreak Committee.

The committee, led by health experts, swiftly moved to establish isolation wards and deploy response teams at both the district and provincial levels.

These measures are designed to contain the virus and prevent its spread to other parts of the province.

Public health measures intensified in light of the second confirmed case, and the provincial health department has upped its efforts to monitor and control the situation.

Screening procedures at Bacha Khan International Airport, where the latest case was detected, have been ramped up. Medical staff and airport authorities are now on high alert, with every arriving passenger undergoing rigorous health checks to identify any potential carriers of the virus.

Dr Roghani emphasised the importance of these preventive measures, stating the health department was working round-the-clock to ensure that the virus does not spread further.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any symptoms that could be associated with mpox. "Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our citizens," said Dr Roghani.

"We are taking every possible step to prevent an outbreak and to provide the necessary care for those who have been affected." he added

Looking ahead as the province waits for the NIH's detailed analysis, the health authorities are leaving no stone unturned.