11 deaths, 93 mpox cases reported in Sindh

Sindh has reported 93 confirmed cases of mpox so far this year, with 11 deaths attributed to the viral disease, according to the latest report of the Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Unit's (PDSRU) laboratory surveillance network.

Of the 93 confirmed cases, 70 were men, accounting for 75.27 per cent, while 23 were women. People aged 30 to 39 were the most affected age group, with 26 confirmed cases, while 23 children up to the age of nine also tested positive for mpox.

April recorded the highest number of cases at 31, followed by September with 20, August 17, July seven, October six so far, March five, June four and May two.

Meanwhile, a 50-year-old man from Nawabshah was suspected of having mpox on Monday and was shifted in critical condition to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital in NIPA, Karachi, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Hospital officials said the patient had rashes on his hands and feet, raising suspicion of mpox. Samples were collected for further diagnostic and laboratory testing.

Experts said mpox is a viral disease that can spread through close physical or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, as well as contact with lesions, bodily fluids or contaminated objects. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes or blisters. People developing symptoms have been advised to avoid close contact with others and seek immediate medical evaluation and diagnostic testing.