The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Friday confirmed the second case of mpox in Pakistan, stating that the virus was detected in an individual who returned to Peshawar from the Gulf country.
The patient, who was tested positive for mpox, was diagnosed at the Peshawar Airport by a health desk set up for screening the incoming passengers.
According to a spokesperson for the health ministry, the individual showed symptoms of the virus upon arrival and was immediately transferred to a hospital for further testing and treatment. Subsequent tests confirmed that the patient was positive for mpox.
National Coordinator for Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that an effective system of screening and surveillance system was functional at all airports. He added border health staff were working diligently at airports and entry points. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the government was ensuring serious measures to keep people safe from epidemics.
Sharing details of the new patient, KP’s Public Health Director Dr Irshad Rugani said that the 47-year-old patient was a resident of Nowshera.
He revealed said that the patient diagnosed with the virus returned from the Gulf country last morning. “The individual was declared a ‘suspected patient’ by the medical team, deployed at the Peshawar airport,” he added.
