ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s health ministry reported the country’s first suspected case of infectious disease Mpox of the year on Thursday, a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) described it as a global health emergency of international concern following an outbreak of its new variant in some African countries. 

The Mpox virus is primarily found in Central and West Africa, where it is transmitted from animals, such as rodents and primates, to humans. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets or contaminated materials like bedding. The disease is characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes and a distinctive rash. 

Pakistani authorities said on Thursday they have put airports on alert and strengthened screening systems at various entry points out of the country following the WHO’s warning. 

“A suspected case of Mpox has been reported in [person arriving from] a Gulf country in Pakistan which has been sent to the National Institute of Health for verification,” the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Health said in a statement. 

It said that the NIH would issue a report after evaluating the case. The ministry added that the NIH had issued a health advisory regarding precautions against the disease. It pointed out that so far 99,518 cases and 208 deaths from the infection have been reported from 122 countries around the world. 

Pakistan has held the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) meeting to evaluate the situation and take precautionary steps.

The NCOC was established in March 2020 and worked as the principal body to coordinate and implement the country’s national response to COVID-19 by collecting, analyzing and disseminating data.

It also coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments and made critical decisions regarding health measures, lockdowns, vaccination campaigns and public communication.