Concerns are mounting over a new strain of the mpox virus as Peshawar, Pakistan, is identified as the outbreak’s “epicentre” following the fifth reported case on Sunday. A 47-year-old man, who had recently travelled back from the Gulf region, tested positive on August 29 after being isolated by Border Health Services staff.
Federal Director General of Health, Shabana Saleem, noted that this case marks the fifth mpox infection reported in the country this year and the fourth since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency. She emphasised the urgent need for action due to the virus’s reappearance in Peshawar, raising significant transmission concerns.
Saleem highlighted that Peshawar is becoming a focal point for mpox cases, which is alarming, prompting intensified efforts to halt further spread. She also stressed the necessity of vigilance, particularly since all recent cases involved individuals who had been to the Gulf region.
Previously, the fourth case emerged in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, where three other infections had been confirmed earlier.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been a public health issue in parts of Africa for over five decades but gained global attention in 2022. On August 14, the WHO declared a health emergency due to the ‘clade 1b’ strain of the virus. This strain has resulted in over 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths in Congo this year, with additional cases reported in regions such as Africa, Sweden, and Thailand.
The WHO’s declaration aims to prompt a robust global response to the disease, which has spread largely unnoticed for years in parts of Africa, including Nigeria. Scientists identified a new variant in Congo in May, which might be spreading more easily. Understanding mpox’s transmission in Africa remains crucial for determining vaccine efficacy.
The clade 1b strain of mpox has been reported in Africa, Sweden, and Thailand.
What Other Media Are Saying
- DAWN.COM reports on the third case of mpox in Pakistan, where a 51-year-old patient from Orakzai district has been isolated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, having returned from Saudi Arabia. Another suspected case in Karachi is being monitored. (read more)
- Economic Times reports Pakistan’s confirmation of its fourth mpox case, emphasizing the spread in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and precautions taken at border crossings. (read more)
- NDTV reports that Peshawar in Pakistan is emerging as the epicentre of the mpox outbreak, with the fifth case recorded, highlighting the need for immediate action and stringent screening protocols at airports. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral public health issue that has recently resurfaced globally.
Why is Peshawar being called the epicentre of the mpox outbreak?
Peshawar is being termed the epicentre due to five mpox cases being reported, with four following WHO’s global health emergency declaration.
How is mpox spreading in Pakistan?
Recent mpox cases in Pakistan involve individuals who traveled to the Gulf region, indicating importation of the virus.
What are the latest global developments regarding mpox vaccines?
UNICEF launched an emergency tender for vaccines, with Nigeria starting vaccinations on October 8.
Which countries have reported the new clade 1b strain of mpox?
The clade 1b strain of mpox has been reported in Africa, Sweden, and Thailand.
