Pakistan is grappling with increasing concerns over the spread of mpox, particularly in Peshawar, which has recently reported its fifth case of the virus this year.The growing number of cases has raised fears that the city might be becoming a hub for patients arriving from the Gulf region.
The latest case, involving a 47-year-old man who recently returned from the Gulf, has intensified the alarm as the country braces for a potential outbreak.
Rising Cases in Peshawar: A Hub for Mpox from the Gulf?
Peshawar has reported its fifth mpox case, marking the fourth instance since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency.
The latest case, detected on August 29, involved a 47-year-old man who had recently returned from the Gulf region. He tested positive for the virus and was promptly isolated by Border Health Services staff. This incident has added to the growing concerns that Peshawar is becoming a focal point for mpox cases, particularly among travelers returning from the Gulf.
Dr. Shabana Saleem, the Federal Director General of Health, expressed serious concerns about the resurgence of the virus in Peshawar.
“This is the fifth mpox case reported in Pakistan this year and the fourth since WHO declared mpox a global health emergency,” she stated. Dr. Saleem highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further transmission and stressed the importance of vigilance, especially among travelers from the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia identified as a potential point of exposure.
Enhanced Vigilance and Health Measures at Airports
In response to the rising cases, Pakistani authorities have bolstered health screening measures at airports across the country. The Health Department has implemented a coordinated surveillance and response system designed to detect and manage mpox cases swiftly. This system includes isolation wards established in all districts and Rapid Response Teams formed within district health offices to respond to any emerging threats.
So far, there have been no reports of the virus being transmitted within the country, with all cases linked to international travel.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department’s report underscores the intensity of the screening efforts: 20,901 people have been screened at Bacha Khan International Airport, and 21,040 people have undergone health checks at the Torkham Crossing. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the virus from gaining a foothold in the country.
Dr. Saleem emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “Peshawar appears to be turning into an epicentre for mpox cases.” She described the situation as alarming and reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting public health.
The enhanced screening procedures are seen as a critical step in preventing further cases from entering the country and ensuring that those who test positive are isolated promptly.
Government’s Coordinated Response and Public Health Commitment
The government’s response to the rising mpox cases in Peshawar highlights a comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing the public health threat. Health officials are working tirelessly, around the clock, to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent the virus’s spread.
The establishment of isolation wards and the formation of Rapid Response Teams demonstrate the proactive steps being taken to address the situation.
The collaboration among health authorities reflects a strong commitment to mitigating the impact of mpox in Pakistan. With the situation being closely monitored, the government is prepared to respond swiftly if the situation changes. This includes adjusting the existing measures and potentially increasing the intensity of screenings and isolation protocols to ensure that any new cases are contained.
In conclusion, as Peshawar continues to report new mpox cases, the city is under close scrutiny by health officials.
The potential for Peshawar to become a hub for mpox patients returning from the Gulf is a growing concern, prompting the government to enhance its vigilance and response efforts. While there have been no cases of local transmission yet, the situation remains fluid, and the authorities are fully prepared to act to protect public health.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether these measures will be sufficient to curb the spread of the virus in Pakistan.
