Islamabad: Pakistan has reported its first two cases of the Monkeypox (mpox) virus, prompting the authorities to put airports and medical facilities on high alert to prevent the spread.
The first case was reported when a resident of Islamabad returning from an international flight tested positive. The individual, who arrived in Pakistan from Saudi Arabia on April 17, showed symptoms of the viral disease, the health ministry officials told local media.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed the first Mpox case. One patient has been isolated at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, the health ministry said. Meanwhile, another person reported to be sitting next to him on the flight also exhibited similar symptoms and is currently in quarantine at his home. Both are reported to be in stable condition.
Health authorities are tracing the patient’s contacts and have established a control room and held a virtual meeting of all provinces and relevant departments to address the concern. The Sindh government has also put hospitals on alert.
Although there is no evidence of localized transmission of monkeypox in Pakistan yet, the authorities have put airports on high alert to ensure medical screening of inbound passengers. The health authorities are also conducting enhanced surveillance through laboratory diagnostics, contact tracing, and rapid identification of suspected cases to provide clinical care and prevent the spread of the disease.
Prevention measures at airports
Pakistan’s all international airports are implementing proactive measures, in coordination with relevant agencies, to prevent the spread of mpox, according to a statement by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In accordance with Border Health Services (BHS) guidelines, suspected cases will not be allowed to use regular exit routes at the airport, and airlines will ensure safety measures such as wearing gloves and masks during immigration. If necessary, BHS and airline staff will transport patients to hospitals, and airlines will transfer patients to quarantine facilities.
Passengers with suspected or confirmed cases will be seated one seat apart at the back of the plane. The ground handling agencies will provide gloves and masks to porters and disinfect disembarked baggage through fumigation. Areas in the airport including luggage, medical inspection, corridors, and toilets would be regularly disinfected. Porters must wear gloves and masks, and trolleys would be washed frequently.
Global virus trends
Mpox has been reported globally since May 2022, with 111 countries reporting about 87,113 confirmed cases and 130 deaths reported since January 2022. This is the first time sustained chains of transmission have been reported in countries without direct or immediate epidemiological links to West or Central Africa areas. In recent weeks, the number of weekly reported new cases globally has decreased by 40.8%, with the majority of cases reported in the past four weeks being notified from the Americas and the Western Pacific regions. As of April 23, 2023, nearly 28 countries have reported cases in the past 21 days, and Pakistan reported its first case in the past seven days.
What is Monkeypox?
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the virus transmitted from animals to humans. It can also be transmitted from infected humans to other humans via close contact and droplets. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. It causes painful lesions and is rarely fatal. Mpox can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with someone who has mpox.
Mpox symptoms: Among those who reported at least one symptom, the most common is rash. Common symptoms include rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Mpox causes signs and symptoms which typically begin within a week but can start up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
Treatment and vaccination: There is no specific treatment approved Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment. However, self-care and prevention are important to help manage symptoms and avoid complications. Vaccination is also available for individuals at high risk of infection.
