Pakistan has recently recorded its first case of monkeypox in an individual who had recently traveled from another country. The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination announced the case on Tuesday, revealing that the infected person arrived in Pakistan on April 17th after being deported from Saudi Arabia. Health officials confirmed that the person exhibited symptoms of the disease, prompting further investigation.
The National Institute of Health in Islamabad has confirmed the presence of the virus in the infected person. In response, relatives of the infected individual are being screened and quarantined to prevent the spread of the virus. Contact tracing has also been initiated, and airports across the country have been placed on high alert.
Monkeypox is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, contaminated materials, or an infected person. Symptoms of the disease include skin rash, mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Treatment for monkeypox is primarily supportive care. In some cases, vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox can be used. Monkeypox is a rare disease, and the current global outbreak that began in May 2022 has affected over 78,000 people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring the situation closely and providing guidance to affected countries.
The emergence of monkeypox in Pakistan highlights the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness for the spread of infectious diseases. Efforts to prevent the spread of the virus through quarantine, contact tracing, and airport screening are critical to mitigating the risk of a broader outbreak. The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the disease.
