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Pakistan Detects Sixth Case of Mpox Virus at Islamabad Airport
Pakistan's sixth case of mpox has been confirmed at Islamabad International Airport. The patient, arriving from a Gulf country, is currently in isolation and under care.
ND
by News Desk
2024-09-16
Pakistan Detects Sixth Case of Mpox Virus at Islamabad Airport

Pakistan has reported its sixth case of the mpox virus, with the latest detection occurring at Islamabad International Airport. According to the Health Ministry, the 44-year-old patient, who arrived from a Gulf country, was identified during routine screenings conducted by Border Health Services (BHS).

 

The patient has been admitted to the isolation ward at PIMS Hospital and is reported to be in good health. Sajid Shah, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, confirmed that BHS had screened 630,000 individuals at the airport to date.

 

Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, emphasized that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and implementing effective measures to protect public health. Both federal and provincial governments are actively engaged in managing the outbreak.

 

This recent case follows the confirmation of Pakistan's fifth mpox case, which was reported in Peshawar. The 33-year-old patient had traveled from Islamabad International Airport before reaching Peshawar. The previous four cases, all detected in Peshawar, have been resolved, with patients discharged after testing negative.

 

In August, Karachi's Jinnah International Airport examined 146,722 travelers, and recent screenings led to two suspected cases of mpox. One passenger, arriving from Saudi Arabia, tested negative, while results for the other are pending.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, particularly due to the new Clade 1b variant's increased transmission rates. Despite this, the WHO has stated that mpox is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic, as much is already known about the virus and control measures are in place.

 

Authorities continue to enhance surveillance and preventive measures to manage and mitigate the spread of mpox.
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