August 16th 2024.
In Peshawar, the health ministry of Pakistan announced on Friday that they have detected a new variant of mpox, which may be more easily transmitted. This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox to be a global health emergency just a few days ago. The case was identified in a man who had recently returned from a Middle Eastern country, making it the second confirmed case of this variant outside of Africa. The first case was reported by authorities in Sweden on Thursday.
According to a statement released by the health ministry, the infected man is from Mardan, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan. In response, the ministry has directed officials at border crossing points and airports to be vigilant and collect samples for testing if they come across any passengers displaying symptoms of the disease. It is not yet known which Middle Eastern country the man had visited, and so far no cases of this new variant have been reported in that region. However, the WHO has reported 16 confirmed cases of mpox in the United Arab Emirates since 2022. This is not surprising, given that the UAE serves as a major connecting hub for both East and West through its long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad.
The WHO stated on Wednesday that over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported in Africa this year, surpassing last year's numbers. The majority of these cases and deaths have occurred in Congo, accounting for over 96% of the total. Dr. Irshad Roghani, the director of public health for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, confirmed that the infected person in Pakistan is experiencing mild symptoms. Contact tracing has already begun, and more people are being tested for the virus. Dr. Roghani also noted that since 2022, 300 people have been tested in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with two positive cases identified last year.
As the world continues to grapple with the spread of mpox, it is crucial for countries to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread. The health ministry of Pakistan's swift response to this new variant is a testament to their commitment to protecting the health and well-being of their citizens. Let us all do our part in staying informed and taking necessary measures to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
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