Pakistan confirms fifth mpox case in K-P

Pakistan has reported its fifth confirmed case of the mpox virus, according to a statement from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) Health Minister, Qasim Ali Shah on Wednesday. The patient, a 33-year-old man, tested positive for the virus in Peshawar after arriving from a Gulf country.

Shah explained that the patient landed at the Islamabad International Airport on September 7 and travelled to Peshawar, where he stayed at a hotel before seeking medical treatment at a private clinic. 

The patient was referred to Khyber Teaching Hospital, where his samples were sent to a public health reference laboratory for testing. The lab results confirmed the presence of the mpox virus.

The patient, who has since been quarantined at his home in Lower Dir, had limited contact with others after his arrival. He did not meet any relatives and had no significant interactions outside of the individuals on his flight. 

District health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the Lower Dir district health officer overseeing the patient’s condition.

Shah noted that the patient’s symptoms are improving, and his family members have been informed about the precautions necessary to prevent the virus’ spread.

Criticising the lack of screening at the Islamabad International Airport, Shah emphasised that the patient was able to leave the airport without undergoing the necessary health checks. 

"It's concerning that a patient carrying mpox was not detected upon arrival. There are likely many others leaving the airport unchecked and travelling to other regions," he said, urging federal authorities to improve their screening procedures. 

So far, more than 66,000 individuals have been screened at K-P's entry points, and 17 suspected cases have been identified, with five confirmed.

This latest case follows the confirmation of Pakistan’s fourth mpox infection earlier this month, also in Peshawar. All four previous patients in K-P have since recovered and been discharged from isolation after testing negative for the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised global concerns over the mpox virus, declaring it a public health emergency of international concern. The new variant, Clade 1b, spreads easily through close contact, but the WHO reassures that mpox is not comparable to Covid-19, as much is already understood about how to manage and control the virus.