Mpox rise

Public health emergencies rarely announce themselves with dramatic warnings. More often, they begin quietly with clusters of cases here and there, until authorities realise that the window for containment is closing. Pakistan may now be approaching such a moment with mpox.

The K-P Health Department has placed all public and private hospitals on high alert after confirming 26 mpox cases over the past year. Of these, 18 patients were men and six were women. The directive instructs hospitals to immediately isolate suspected cases and intensify testing, reflecting growing concern that the disease could spread further if swift containment measures are not enforced. What makes the current situation particularly troubling is the shift in the epidemiological pattern.

Initially, most mpox cases detected in Pakistan were linked to international travel, especially from Gulf countries. But recent cases suggest that the virus is no longer limited to imported infections. Health authorities now believe local transmission may be taking place. This shift should ring alarm bells. Once a disease moves from imported cases to local transmission, controlling it becomes significantly more complex. Contact tracing becomes harder and the risk of community spread rises sharply.

Pakistan's health system, already stretched by recent recurring outbreaks, cannot afford complacency. The early detection of mpox cases offers an opportunity - but only if authorities act decisively. Surveillance systems must be strengthened nationwide, not just in one province. Screening at airports should remain rigorous, particularly for travellers arriving from regions where the virus is circulating. Equally important is the establishment of clear isolation protocols in hospitals and rapid laboratory confirmation of suspected cases. At present, the number of cases remains manageable. But if warning signs are ignored, it could rapidly turn into a health crisis.