Patricia CaleonPakistan just confirmed its first cases of the Mpox virus, igniting concerns about a potential outbreak in the country. The local health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reported three confirmed cases on Friday, 16 Aug 2024, just days after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency for the disease.
What we know so far
Image credit: NIAID | Wikimedia Commons
While authorities are working to contain the spread of Mpox, the specific variant responsible for the infections remains undetected. Initial investigations suggest that the virus was contracted by patients who recently travelled from the United Arab Emirates. Two cases so far have been confirmed, with the third awaiting verification. All patients are currently under quarantine.
The emergence of Mpox in Pakistan comes amidst a growing global health crisis. Additionally, Sweden has also reported its first case of a new variant, highlighting the virus’s increasing reach. Meanwhile in Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, over 27,000 cases and 1,100 deaths have been recorded since January 2023.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. While often milder than smallpox, the virus can be fatal in rare cases. The disease can be primarily spread through close contact with infected animals or humans.
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As the Mpox outbreak in Pakistan unfolds, health officials are urging everyone to practice good hygiene and be aware of the symptoms to prevent the spread of virus.
Featured image credit: Navy Medicine | Flickr
