Mpox Visits Pakistan Again

The World Health Organization (WHO) published the 21st situation report for the multi-country outbreak of mpox. Issued on April 27, 2023, the report offers an update from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region.

Since April 13, 2023, 183 new Mpox cases (0.2% increase in total cases) and 14 new related fatalities have been reported to WHO.

From January 2022 through April 24, 2023, a cumulative total of 87,113 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox, including 130 fatalities, have been reported from 111 countries/territories/areas.

For example, the Nation recently reported Pakistan had confirmed its fifth Mpox case related to international travelers.

According to sources, on April 27, 2023, three passengers arrived in Karachi on two flights from UAE on April 26 and were having symptoms of Mpox.

Previously, two Mpox cases were detected in Islamabad, originating from travelers from Saudi Arabia.

In response, the Director General of Health Services Sindh issued directives to all government hospitals to establish isolation areas for Mpox patients.

Mpox is a vaccine-preventable disease, according to the U.S. CDC. Throughout the Mpox outbreak, Bavarian Nordic's JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN) vaccine has been offered in various countries, including the U.S.