First two cases of monkeypox reported in Pakistan

The first two cases of monkeypox have been detected in people who travelled to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia. The two patients are from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the common symptoms of monkeypox or mpox are a skin rash which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.

The disease is treated with supportive care. Vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox and approved for use in some countries can be used for mpox in some cases.

Since May 2022, the human monkeypox infections has been reported in over 78,000 people.

The Border Health Services has also issued guidelines to Pakistan’s airports.

All passengers arriving in the country from abroad would be screened. Their travel documents would be sealed inside envelopes. The airline’s staff will have to wear protective gloves and masks.

The health department employees will spray the luggage of passengers with a germicide.

Passengers departing to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah will be checked individually. The Civil Aviation Authority and Airport Security Force will be enforcing these guidelines.