Pakistan Reports Fourth Suspected Mpox Case in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Pakistan has reported a suspected case of mpox in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, bringing the total number of cases to four. A 47-year-old man who returned from Jeddah is now hospitalized in Islamabad. Authorities have implemented strict screening and monitoring measures at borders and airports to combat the virus's spread.

Authorities in Pakistan reported on Monday a suspected case of Monkeypox (mpox) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking the fourth suspected case in the region.

A 47-year-old resident of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, who recently returned from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was admitted to Islamabad's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) exhibiting mpox symptoms.

Dr. Nasim Akhtar, PIMS's focal person, confirmed to the media that the patient showed symptoms consistent with mpox and has been isolated in a designated ward.

Pakistan has previously reported three cases of mpox in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, prompting authorities to enhance screening protocols at airports and other entry points.

The government announced a comprehensive policy on Saturday to tackle the virus and assured that laboratory facilities are available in all provinces and the federal capital for diagnosis.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to discuss the disease, calling for strict monitoring and effective screening at all transit points.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

(With inputs from agencies.)