Health authorities in Sindh have confirmed the province’s second Mpox case. The patient is a 28-year-old man from Hyderabad who recently returned from Dubai. He developed symptoms on September 15 and visited a private healthcare facility for treatment.
Patient Details and Medical Response
Doctors observed widespread lesions on his face, throat, extremities, and anal region. However, most were concentrated in the genital area, a pattern often reported worldwide. A clinical sample was taken for testing, and on September 30, the District Health Office in Hyderabad began a field investigation.
Officials also started contact tracing immediately. All close contacts are under strict monitoring. So far, no secondary cases have been detected. The World Health Organization noted that during the 2022–23 outbreak, Mpox cases appeared more frequently in specific networks. Still, anyone in close contact with an infectious person can contract the virus.
Mpox in Pakistan and Precautions
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and intimate interaction. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and visible lesions. Most people recover, but severe illness may occur in those with weak immunity.
Pakistan reported its first Mpox case in Islamabad in May 2023. Since then, only sporadic cases have been found. Sindh reported its first patient earlier this year, making this Hyderabad case the second in the province.
Health experts stress that the risk of a major outbreak remains low. However, they warn that international travel, limited diagnostic tools, and low awareness could create hidden chains of transmission. They call for stronger screening, expanded testing, and public messaging to ensure early detection and reduce stigma.
