ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for strict monitoring to prevent the spread of mpox after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency.
Mpox causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. The WHO declared the recent outbreak of the disease a public health emergency after a new offshoot of the mpox virus, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, began spreading to other neighboring states.
Pakistan also announced precautionary measures against the disease after mpox was diagnosed in a patient in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province who had recently returned to the country after traveling abroad.
Addressing a meeting to evaluate the situation, the prime minister demanded enhanced effectiveness of mpox screening systems at the airports.
“Prime Minister directed border health services to maintain thorough monitoring and strict surveillance of the situation,” said a statement circulated by his office after the meeting.
“He also directed improving coordination with provincial governments, the government of Gilgit-Baltistan and the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to prevent the spread of mpox,” it added.
The prime minister also emphasized effective and comprehensive awareness campaign to prevent the spread of the disease.
“Ensure the provision of all necessary equipment and kits for mpox testing,” he was quoted as saying. “I will receive weekly briefings on Mpox.”
The meeting was informed that there was currently no local transmission of the disease in Pakistan.
NO MAJOR EMERGENCY
Earlier, the prime minister’s health coordinator, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharth, noted that, unlike the COVID-19, the WHO has not declared a major emergency regarding the rising mpox cases in globally, adding that the disease spreads through close contact with infected people and has a low mortality rate.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharth, prime minister’s health coordinator, speaks during a press briefing at the Pakistan Television (PTV) Headquarters in Islamabad on August 17, 2024. (APP)
“The World Health Organization has not yet declared [a major] emergency situation regarding mpox, similar to what was done for COVID-19,” he said during a news conference in Islamabad.
“The virus has been found in 99,000 people worldwide,” he continued. “Only 200 patients have died, while all other individuals have recovered.”
Bharth acknowledged it was difficult to diagnose the disease at an early stage since its symptoms appear a bit late in patients.
“The virus can spread if you spend a lot of time with the patient,” he said. “It is better to quarantine the patient.”
He informed the WHO had advised against mass vaccination while dealing with mpox.
“This disease is 99 percent treatable. There is no immediate risk of death, but if the affected person has comorbidities, they need to be more cautious,” he added.
The prime minister’s health coordinator said Pakistan had so far reported 11 mpox cases since last year, with only one death of a patient who suffered from HIV and had a weak immune system.
Pakistan reported its first mpox case on April 11, 2023.
It has initiated a comprehensive passenger screening system at airports and urged people to take necessary precautions.
