Pakistan Strengthens Border Surveillance After First Mpox Case Detected

Pakistan's Border Health Services intensifies monitoring at entry points to combat mpox virus spread. The first case, linked to Gulf travel, prompts increased passenger screening. Authorities aim to identify the virus strain and respond effectively to the potential outbreak, with international examples heightening global concern.

Amid rising concerns over a spike in mpox infections, Pakistan's Border Health Services has issued a notification to ramp up surveillance and precautionary measures at all entry points, including airports, according to ARY News. These restrictions are aimed at preventing the virus from entering the nation.

Authorities have been instructed to enhance passenger screening, particularly for those exhibiting suspicious wounds or symptoms linked to the virus. The government has also directed the strengthening of current systems at entry points to effectively manage the crisis, as reported by ARY News. The health ministry reported the first mpox virus case in Pakistan on Friday.

The virus strain remains unidentified. The patient had traveled back from a Gulf nation, and health ministry spokespeople said the current case is undergoing sequencing to identify the specific mpox variant.

The health department in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported one confirmed mpox case on Friday, retracting an earlier statement of three cases detected this week from arrivals from the UAE, according to ARY News. This new mpox strain has heightened global concern due to its easier transmission through close contact.

Global attention has further intensified after Sweden confirmed a case of the new variant on Thursday, linked to an outbreak in Africa. Despite these developments, the World Health Organization has advised against implementing travel restrictions to curtail mpox's spread. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)