ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has confirmed a fresh case of monkeypox in a 42-year-old resident of Attock who recently returned from a Gulf country, officials revealed on Tuesday. The patient began exhibiting symptoms soon after arriving in the capital and has since been placed under strict isolation and care.
The individual was initially admitted to PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) for evaluation and was later transferred to THQ Hospital Hazro for treatment and containment. Diagnostic tests conducted by the National Institutes of Health confirmed the positive result earlier this week. Health authorities are now monitoring the patient’s condition closely while tracing potential contacts.
A suspected second case involving another Gulf-returned traveller was quickly ruled out following negative test results, bringing a measure of relief to screening teams stationed at points of entry. Though the latest case underscores ongoing risks, officials emphasised that precautionary measures—including airport health screening and rapid response protocols—remain firmly in place to prevent further spread.
Medical experts in Pakistan continue to watch global monkeypox dynamics attentively, noting that while the disease remains relatively rare and generally mild in most cases, it can pose threats to vulnerable populations. With the World Health Organization having declared related outbreaks a public health emergency in the recent past, national agencies are under pressure to bolster awareness, surveillance, and responsiveness.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.