Lagatar24 Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has reported its first monkeypox case of 2024 after a 34-year-old man from Mardan, who recently returned from Saudi Arabia, tested positive for the virus. The Ministry of Health confirmed the diagnosis, marking the country’s first recorded case of the year.
The individual arrived in Pakistan on August 3 and developed symptoms soon after reaching Peshawar. Concerned about his condition, he sought medical attention, and his diagnosis was confirmed by Khyber Medical University on August 13, according to ARY News.
In response to the confirmed case, health officials have initiated contact tracing to identify and monitor those who were in close proximity to the patient, including other passengers on his flight from Saudi Arabia.
This is not the first encounter Pakistan has had with the virus. Earlier in 2023, three Pakistani citizens, aged between 30 and 45, were diagnosed with monkeypox at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. They were promptly admitted to an infectious disease hospital for treatment.
Monkeypox continues to be a global health concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 99,518 cases and 208 deaths across 122 countries. The virus, which spreads through close contact, typically presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and body aches, lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Despite its spread, the WHO highlights that 99% of infected individuals survive.
In Pakistan, 11 cases of monkeypox have been reported since April 2023, with one resulting in death. The National Institute of Health has issued an advisory urging vigilance and outlining guidelines for managing and preventing the spread of monkeypox, emphasizing the importance of continued public health monitoring.
