K-P confirms third mpox case at Peshawar airport

Pakistan has confirmed its third case of the mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, at Bacha Khan International Airport, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Health Director Dr Irshad Ali Roghani.

This comes as global concern grows over the new Clade 1b variant, recently identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern.

Dr Irshad reported that medical personnel at the airport detected two travellers displaying symptoms of mpox on Thursday.

Both individuals, who were on the same flight from Jeddah, were promptly transferred to Police and Services Hospital (PSH) for treatment.

The confirmed case involves a 51-year-old man from Orakzai, who is reported to be in stable condition and receiving care at PSH.

This case marks the third confirmed instance of mpox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year.

No locally transmitted cases have been recorded thus far.

Dr Irshad emphasised that while the Clade 1b variant spreads easily through close contact, the current outbreak does not equate to another Covid-19 scenario, as substantial knowledge and control measures for the virus are already in place.

The health ministry had previously noted that the first mpox case in Pakistan was of the clade 2 variety.

Last week’s second case was also detected at Peshawar airport, highlighting the importance of vigilance and prompt response in managing the outbreak.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and have implemented all necessary measures to control the spread,” Dr Irshad assured.