Third Case of Monkeypox Confirmed in Pakistan, Patient in Stable Condition Amid Rising Concerns

Pakistan has confirmed its third case of monkeypox (mpox), as health authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa identify a 51-year-old man who tested positive for the virus. The patient, a resident of Peshawar, had recently returned from the Gulf countries and was detected during routine screening at the airport.

According to Dr. Irshad, the director of public health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the patient was immediately transferred to the Police Services Hospital after showing symptoms consistent with mpox. Fortunately, his condition is reported to be stable, and he is currently receiving medical treatment.

This case has raised concerns about the potential spread of mpox within the region, particularly as it marks the third confirmed instance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year. The provincial Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and has begun contact tracing to identify and screen individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person.

In a related development, a passenger arriving in Karachi from Jeddah on a private airline has also been suspected of carrying mpox. The individual exhibited symptoms upon arrival and has been transferred to the Sindh Government Hospital in Nipa for further examination.

Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, Pakistan’s national health coordinator, emphasized the country’s readiness to combat the virus with a robust disease surveillance system and coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments. Despite the rising number of cases, Dr. Bharath expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to control the spread through stringent health measures.