Monkeypox Cases in Pakistan: 2024 Health Alert and Public Health Strategies

In recent years, the global health landscape has shifted dramatically due to emerging infectious diseases, with monkeypox rising to international prominence. This viral zoonotic infection, known for its rash and flu-like symptoms, saw a significant increase in cases worldwide in 2022, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency. As of 2024, Pakistan has reported its cases of monkeypox, igniting concerns and necessitating a strong, coordinated response to prevent further spread.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes viruses responsible for diseases like smallpox. Though it was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, human cases were first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Unlike smallpox, monkeypox spreads primarily through close contact with infected bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. While symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash are often mild, complications can arise in immunocompromised individuals.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure, progressing through distinct stages:

  1. Fever, Chills, and Fatigue: The onset usually includes flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, chills, and exhaustion.
  2. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Unlike other viral infections, monkeypox often causes noticeable swelling in lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin.
  3. Rash and Lesions: Within a few days, a rash develops, beginning as flat, red marks that evolve into fluid-filled blisters or pustules. These lesions are most commonly seen on the face, palms, soles, and, in some cases, the torso and limbs.

Monkeypox symptoms generally last 2 to 4 weeks, during which individuals are contagious.

The Global Rise of Monkeypox

Originally endemic to certain African regions, monkeypox’s spread beyond these areas has been attributed to increased global travel and exposure to infected animals. By mid-2022, the virus had reached multiple continents, with clusters of cases in North America, Europe, and Asia. Efforts to contain these outbreaks underscored the need for global vigilance and public health coordination.

Monkeypox Cases in Pakistan: A Timeline and Case Study

Initial Detection and Case Count

The first documented monkeypox case in Pakistan occurred in 2022, detected in a traveler returning from the Middle East. Since then, Pakistani health officials have actively monitored the situation, particularly at border entries, to contain imported cases. In 2024, Pakistan recorded three new monkeypox cases, sparking a fresh wave of precautionary measures. These recent cases have primarily been observed in individuals with a recent international travel history, underscoring the role of globalization in the disease’s spread. Pakistani health authorities have mandated isolation and treatment protocols for confirmed cases, actively tracing contacts to prevent local transmission

Challenges in Detection and Public Health Infrastructure

One of the major challenges Pakistan faces in controlling monkeypox is limited diagnostic capacity. While the Pakistan National Institute of Health (NIH) has been at the forefront of implementing PCR tests and confirming cases, the availability of specialized testing equipment is limited to major urban centers. This limitation often results in delayed detection, potentially hindering swift isolation and increasing the spread risk.

Additionally, the lack of monkeypox-specific vaccines and treatments in Pakistan means that containment heavily relies on traditional isolation and symptomatic treatment. Health officials emphasize hygiene and preventive measures and educate communities on recognizing monkeypox symptoms early.

Government and Health Authorities’ Response

The Pakistani government and health authorities have been proactive in their response, focusing on three primary areas:

  1. Surveillance and Border Screening: Border screenings have intensified, particularly at airports, with health officials screening travelers from regions with higher monkeypox case counts. Individuals displaying symptoms undergo further testing and isolation if necessary.
  2. Public Awareness Campaigns: The Ministry of Health has rolled out public health campaigns to educate the public on recognizing monkeypox symptoms and preventive measures. This effort is especially crucial as local knowledge of monkeypox is limited compared to more familiar diseases like dengue and typhoid.
  3. Case Management and Contact Tracing: Health teams conduct extensive contact tracing for each confirmed case to minimize the risk of secondary infections. Suspected contacts are isolated, and health workers are regularly monitored for symptoms, reducing the likelihood of healthcare-associated transmission.

Health and Safety Measures for the Public

Given the airborne and contact-based transmission of monkeypox, Pakistani citizens are advised to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and report any symptoms that align with monkeypox to health authorities. Authorities encourage limiting contact with animals suspected of carrying the virus and using personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings. These precautions are particularly relevant in urban areas with high population density, where viral spread is a more significant risk.

Outlook and Future Preparedness

Pakistan’s handling of monkeypox cases demonstrates a swift, multifaceted approach to disease containment. However, to bolster its defenses against monkeypox and similar viral threats, additional investments in health infrastructure, vaccine procurement, and diagnostic tools are needed. Future preparedness efforts may include expanding laboratory capacity for quicker diagnosis, securing access to vaccines, and training healthcare professionals in disease recognition and management.

Conclusion

As Pakistan contends with its first confirmed monkeypox cases in 2024, the importance of public awareness and government intervention becomes evident. Pakistan’s response thus far has been promising, highlighting its commitment to safeguarding public health amid global health challenges. Continued vigilance and cooperation between healthcare providers and the public will be essential to ensure monkeypox remains controlled in Pakistan, thereby protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

FAQs

1. What Country Has the Most Cases of Monkeypox?

The United States has reported the highest number of monkeypox cases since the 2022 outbreak. Other countries with significant case numbers include Brazil, Spain, and France. Efforts to vaccinate high-risk groups and educate the public have been widespread in these regions.

2. Which Airport Has Monkeypox in Pakistan?

There’s no specific airport in Pakistan with active monkeypox cases, but health screenings have been implemented at major international airports, including Islamabad International Airport, Jinnah International Airport (Karachi), and Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore). These measures help detect and isolate potential cases among incoming passengers to prevent local transmission.

3. What Is the New Virus Detected in Pakistan?

Recently, cases of the Nipah virus have been reported in some regions, although the risk remains low. The Nipah virus is zoonotic and can be severe, causing respiratory and neurological symptoms. Health authorities in Pakistan are monitoring for both Nipah and monkeypox cases to ensure early detection and management.

4. Where Can I Test for Monkeypox in Islamabad?

In Islamabad, monkeypox testing is available at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the National Institute of Health (NIH). These institutions are equipped to perform PCR testing to confirm monkeypox infection. It’s recommended to call ahead for information on procedures and availability.

5. How Does Monkeypox Spread? How Is Monkeypox Transmitted from Human to Human?

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person’s lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. It can also spread through contaminated materials like bedding or clothing. Direct contact with infected animals can also transmit the virus. Human-to-human transmission is primarily through prolonged face-to-face contact or physical touch.

6. What Are the First Signs of Monkeypox?

The first signs of monkeypox are typically flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. These are often followed by swollen lymph nodes and a rash that starts as flat spots and progresses to fluid-filled lesions. The rash is usually the most distinctive symptom and can appear on the face, palms, soles, and sometimes other parts of the body.

Is Monkeypox Deadly?

Monkeypox is generally less severe than smallpox, and while it can be serious, it is rarely deadly. The mortality rate for monkeypox varies based on the strain and the health condition of the infected person.

There are two main strains of monkeypox:

  1. The Central African (Congo Basin) strain – has a higher mortality rate, estimated between 1% and 10%.
  2. The West African strain – is less severe, with a lower mortality rate of around 1%.

Deaths are rare but may occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals, young children, or those who do not receive proper medical care. Severe complications can include secondary infections, pneumonia, or sepsis. Most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks with proper care, and fatalities are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals.