Pakistan’s Ministry of Health announced on Monday that one case of the mpox virus, specifically of the clade 2 variety, has been detected in the country. The ministry clarified that no cases of the clade 1b strain, which has raised global concern due to its ability to spread more easily through routine close contact, have been reported in Pakistan.
The clade 1b strain was recently confirmed in Sweden and linked to a growing outbreak in Africa, marking the first instance of its spread outside the continent. This variant has caused significant worry internationally because of its increased transmissibility.
Sajid Hussain Shah, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services, stated, “As of now, there have been no reported cases of clade I in Pakistan.”
In response to the mpox case detected last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered rigorous screening at all airports, seaports, and borders. He also directed border health services to implement comprehensive surveillance measures. Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to stay vigilant, conduct daily assessments, and ensure the availability of necessary equipment and kits for mpox evaluation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent outbreak of mpox a public health emergency of international concern after identifying the new variant. Last week, the WHO issued its highest level of alert following the spread of cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighboring countries in Africa. Since the outbreak began in January 2023, the DRC has reported 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths, primarily among children.
Global health officials confirmed that the new strain of mpox found in Sweden is linked to the growing outbreak in Africa, marking its first detection outside the continent. Despite the spread, the WHO has not recommended any travel restrictions to control the virus.
Mpox typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While usually mild, the disease can be fatal, particularly for children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk of complications.
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