Amid growing concerns over a new variant of the MPox virus, Pakistan’s Peshawar city is emerging as the ‘epicentre’ of the virus as its fifth case of MPox was reported on Sunday, Geo News reported.
A 47-year-old man who returned from the Gulf region tested positive after being isolated by Border Health Services staff on August 29. This has also raised concerns about the spread of the virus from travellers arriving from the Middle East.
“This is the fifth ‘pox’ case reported (in the country) this year and the fourth since the WHO declared ‘pox’ a global health emergency,” Federal Health Director General Dr Shabana Salim said on Sunday.
“The re-emergence of the virus in Peshawar raises serious concerns about its transmissibility and calls for immediate action.”
Salim also stressed the need for vigilance and highlighted that all the recent cases are related to persons who travelled to Gulf countries.
“Peshawar is becoming the epicentre of Mpox cases,” he said. “This trend is worrying, and we are doubling our efforts to prevent its further spread.”
Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up measures to contain the virus and stringent screening protocols have now been implemented at all airports, reports Geo News.
“We are not taking any chances. Effective testing systems are in place across the country,” Salim assured, underlining the government’s commitment to protecting public health.
Federal and provincial health officials are also coordinating to closely monitor the situation to ensure that all necessary steps are taken promptly.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that all preventive measures are implemented and are effective,” the federal health director general said. “The Ministry of Health is constantly monitoring the situation, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any developments.
The rise in ampox cases in Peshawar has raised concerns among both health experts and the general public. There have been calls for increased awareness and stricter travel guidelines, according to Geo News.
The Federal Health Director-General urged the public to remain vigilant and follow health advisories, especially those returning from high-risk areas.
“Public cooperation is crucial in stopping the spread of Mpox,” he warned. “Together we can stop this virus before it spreads.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
