Pakistan’s health ministry has confirmed at least one case of the mpox virus in a patient who recently returned from a Gulf country.
The specific type of the virus is still unknown, and further testing is being done to identify the strain.
In other news, a new variant of the mpox virus has been detected in Sweden.
This variant, which spreads more easily through close contact, is believed to be linked to an outbreak in Africa.
Despite the growing concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against imposing any travel restrictions.
Initially, the health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan reported three cases of mpox.
However, only one case was later confirmed.
The national health ministry is now actively tracing the patient’s contacts and increasing monitoring at airports to prevent further spread.
Globally, the WHO has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, especially after cases were reported in Africa, with a significant number in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mpox causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions.
While the disease is usually mild, it can be more serious for children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.