In Pakistan, the number of confirmed monkeypox cases this year has now reached two. This development comes after another passenger, who arrived from a Gulf country, was diagnosed with the virus.
The Ministry of Health has reported that upon arrival at Peshawar airport, the individual displayed symptoms indicative of monkeypox. As a precautionary measure, the health desk promptly referred the passenger to a hospital, where a subsequent test confirmed the infection.
Further details were provided by Dr. Irshad Roghani, the Director of Public Health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He disclosed that the infected person, a 47-year-old resident of Nowshera, had returned from Dubai the previous morning.
These recent cases underline the importance of vigilance and early detection at entry points into the country.
Airport Finds Suspected Monkeypox Case; WHO Declares Emergency as Health Checks Increase
The identification of the suspected monkeypox case was made by the medical team at the airport, as mentioned by Dr. Irshad. Subsequently, the patient was transferred to the police hospital. The confirmation of the diagnosis was done after the patient’s test was sent to the Khyber Medical University lab.
In addition to this, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bhirth, the Prime Minister’s Health Coordinator, emphasized that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation. Furthermore, health staff at all airports are working diligently to ensure that the situation remains under control.
Previously, a resident of Mardan, who had traveled to Peshawar from Saudi Arabia, had also exhibited symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the World Health Organization has declared an emergency concerning monkeypox. As a result, health authorities have set up health desks at airports across the country in compliance with WHO guidelines.
