Peshawar reports second Mpox case

PESHAWAR:

Health authorities in Peshawar have confirmed the second case of the Mpox virus this year.

The infection was detected in a five-month-old girl who arrived at Bacha Khan International Airport from Qatar, marking the latest development in Pakistan's ongoing efforts to monitor the disease.

Attaullah Khan, spokesperson for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali, confirmed that the infant tested positive for Mpox after landing with her parents. As a precautionary measure, the health department has initiated testing on the child's parents.

On January 26, Pakistan reported its first Mpox case of 2025, identified during routine screening by Border Health Services staff at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar.

According to a Ministry of Health spokesperson, the suspected case tested positive, bringing the total number of Mpox cases in Pakistan to 10 since the health emergency was declared, Express News reported.

The patient reportedly had a travel history linked to Gulf countries.

Health Coordinator Dr. Mukhtar Bharth stated, "We are ensuring effective measures to protect the public from Mpox. All airports have robust screening systems in place, and compliance with International Health Regulations is being ensured. Both federal and provincial governments are committed to combating Mpox."

Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali confirmed that the first Mpox case of 2025 was reported at Peshawar Airport.

Upon detection, the Public Health team immediately reached the airport.

He further added, "The Public Health team transferred the patient to Police Services Hospital, from where the patient's samples were sent to the Public Health Reference Lab. Mpox was confirmed in a 35-year-old individual who arrived from Dubai."

The Provincial Health Adviser also mentioned that a letter has been sent to the Peshawar Airport Manager requesting passenger details of those who were in proximity to the patient.

"Once passenger information is received, respective District Health Officers (DHOs) will be notified for contact tracing," he added.

The statement revealed that a total of 10 Mpox cases have been reported in the province so far—two in 2023, seven in 2024, and the first case of 2025.

Authorities have urged the public to practise social distancing and remain vigilant.

Last year, the health ministry confirmed Pakistan's eighth Mpox case of 2024, involving a 32-year-old patient who had recently returned from the Gulf.

The patient was isolated and is receiving treatment, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Sajid Shah. "He is experiencing mild symptoms and is expected to recover soon."