A suspected case of monkeypox (mpox) has been admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, according to Dr. Naseem Akhtar, the hospital’s focal person for mpox. The 47-year-old patient, a resident of Azad Kashmir, had recently returned to Pakistan from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Health officials have placed the patient in a specialized isolation ward at PIMS, specifically established to handle potential mpox cases. The patient’s samples have been sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad for confirmation.
An official from the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) mentioned that Pakistan reported its first confirmed mpox case of the year in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa just last week. The health ministry has reassured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to preventing the spread of the disease.
The emergence of this suspected case underscores the ongoing threat of mpox, despite global efforts to control the virus. Pakistan has been on high alert since the detection of mpox cases within its borders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed Border Health Services (BHS) and other relevant agencies to be vigilant in identifying and managing potential cases.
“As the situation continues to evolve, we are dedicated to providing timely updates and ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect public health in Pakistan,” said an official from the NHS.
The health ministry has emphasized the importance of public awareness and preventive measures as part of its broader strategy to combat mpox and safeguard the health of the population.
