Should India worry? Pakistan confirms first mpox case

New Delhi: Pakistan has confirmed its first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) this year after a 34-year-old man who returned from Saudi Arabia tested positive for the virus. The man, a resident of Mardan, arrived in Pakistan on August 3 and developed symptoms shortly after reaching Peshawar. His diagnosis was confirmed by Khyber Medical University in Peshawar, with the positive result verified on August 13, marking the country's first reported case of mpox in 2024.

Mpox cases detected last year 

In response to the confirmed mpox case, health officials have initiated contact tracing measures to promptly identify and monitor individuals who had close contact with the patient. This includes tracking down fellow passengers who travelled with him on the flight from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. 

Notably, a similar situation occurred in 2023 at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, where three Pakistani citizens, aged between 30 and 45, were diagnosed with mpox. All three individuals were immediately admitted to the infectious disease hospital for appropriate medical care. By tracing contacts and monitoring potential cases, health authorities aim to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further transmission.

China strengthens mpox surveillance at border

China has announced that it will intensify surveillance on incoming travelers and goods for the next six months to detect and prevent the spread of mpox. This move is part of the country's efforts to manage mpox as a Category B infectious disease, a designation that enables authorities to swiftly respond to outbreaks by implementing emergency measures such as crowd control, workplace and school closures, and lockdowns. Mpox joins other Category B infectious diseases in China, including Covid-19, AIDS, and SARS, highlighting the government's commitment to monitoring and containing the spread of the virus.

Which countries have confirmed mpox virus cases?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in mpox cases and deaths in Africa this year, with over 14,000 cases and 524 fatalities, exceeding last year's numbers. Notably, more than 96% of these cases and deaths have been concentrated in the Congo, where a new, potentially more contagious variant has emerged, raising concerns among scientists. Meanwhile, Sweden's public health agency has confirmed that this new variant has been detected in a traveler who recently returned from Africa and sought medical attention in Stockholm.

WHO predicts more mpox cases in Europe

WHO expects additional cases of the highly contagious mpox strain to emerge in Europe, following the first reported infection outside Africa in Sweden. This outbreak has already resulted in hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO's European office is working with Sweden to manage the new case.

In a statement, the WHO highlighted the global interconnectedness, noting that further imported cases are likely in Europe in the coming weeks. The organization emphasized the importance of avoiding stigma towards travelers and countries, and discouraged ineffective measures like travel restrictions and border closures.

What is mpox? What are its symptoms?

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, has evolved from a regional concern to a global health issue, spreading to over 70 countries since its initial identification in monkeys in 1958. Although similar to smallpox, mpox is a milder virus that has sparked global outbreaks since its transmission through sexual contact was confirmed in 2022. 

Originating in central and West Africa, where it primarily affected individuals in close contact with infected animals, mpox has undergone a significant shift, becoming a worldwide concern. Characterized by mild symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches,mpox can also cause lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals in more severe cases.