Monkeypox

Monkeypox 4 cases in KPK of monkeypox

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Pakistan — August 16, 2024: The resurgence of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has drawn significant attention as two new cases were confirmed in KP, bringing Pakistan’s nationwide tally to three. The recent cases were identified among travelers returning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the KP health department.

Health officials are taking immediate action. “The patients are currently in quarantine, and further tests are being conducted to determine the specific strain of the virus,” said Salim Khan, Director General of Health Services for KP. The third patient, whose status is still being confirmed, has had their samples sent to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Islamabad.

A fourth case of mpox has been confirmed in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The patient, detected during airport screening, is in stable condition and receiving treatment. No local cases have been reported, and an integrated surveillance system is in place.

Clade 1b Variant Mpox virus:

The Clade 1b mpox virus has been confirmed in only two countries: an unspecified African country and Thailand. A 66-year-old European man, who traveled from Africa, was diagnosed with the virus in Thailand, marking the first case outside Africa and raising concerns due to its ease of transmission.

1st Case of Clade 1b in India

India’s first case of the highly transmissible Monkeypox clade 1b strain was reported in a 38-year-old man from Kerala who returned from Dubai. This strain, linked to the African outbreak, has triggered a WHO alert. India has recorded over 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain. The government has designated 35 labs nationwide for testing suspected cases and issued advisories to states for increased vigilance.

Clade 2b Strain Diagnosed in Gulf returnee.

A 34-year-old man, who had recently returned to Pakistan from a Gulf country, was admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad after being diagnosed with mpox. The diagnosis, confirmed by health officials, identified the Clade 2b strain. He began showing symptoms shortly after his arrival in Pakistan.

Upon landing at the airport, he was referred to PIMS for testing and isolation as a precautionary measure. The Ministry of National Health Services later confirmed his positive diagnosis, triggering enhanced monitoring and response to prevent further spread of the virus.

Mpox in Morocco

Morocco confirmed its first Mpox case in a man from Marrakech, with the health ministry stating his condition is stable. No symptoms have been reported among his contacts. The ministry did not specify the variant of the virus. This follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern due to a new variant. Further details about the case were not provided.

Monkeypox in congo

An mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed over 500 lives, with 15,664 cases reported since early 2024. The new Clade 1b variant is driving the surge. The outbreak, ongoing since late 2022, has spread to twelve African countries, raising global health concerns.

Monkeypox in Burundi

Burundi confirmed 171 mpox cases, with 137 still active and no deaths reported. Health officials are preparing isolation wards as the outbreak continues to grow, following the detection of the first cases in late July. The rapid spread is linked to a new variant circulating in the region.

Monkeypox in philipines

The Philippines reported three new mpox cases, bringing the total active cases to eight this year. The cases, detected in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, involve the milder MPXV clade II variant. Since July 2022, the country has recorded 17 mpox cases. The WHO continues to monitor the global situation.

Global Health Concerns Amplified

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the global alert on monkeypox earlier this week, declaring the outbreak in Africa a public health emergency. The virus has rapidly spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighboring countries, with over 27,000 reported cases and more than 1,100 deaths. The majority of fatalities occurred among children, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations to the virus.

Paul Chaplin, CEO of Danish vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic, emphasized the urgency of expanding vaccine access for children, particularly given their disproportionate risk during this outbreak. His company is actively seeking European approval to extend monkeypox vaccinations to those aged 12-17.

Mpox in Pakistan: An Evolving Challenge

Pakistan has dealt with cases of monkeypox before, but the recent surge in infections has raised concerns. Health ministry spokesperson Sajid Shah confirmed that genetic sequencing is underway to identify the virus strain present in these new cases. “We expect results soon, which will guide our next steps in containment and treatment,” he said.

The NCOC issued a directive for heightened vigilance at airports and entry points across the country. Travelers arriving from regions with confirmed cases of monkeypox are now subject to thorough screening and testing protocols.

Although Pakistan has not yet identified any new variants of the virus, global health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The emergence of new monkeypox strains in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe has underscored the virus’s evolving nature. Health officials are on alert as they continue to track the spread of the disease across borders.

Mpox: A Global Health Threat

Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus, typically results in painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Though many individuals recover, severe cases can lead to serious illness and even death, particularly among children. The current outbreak in Africa has disproportionately impacted young populations, raising alarms internationally.

The virus’s ability to spread across countries and continents has heightened global concerns. With mpox now classified as a global public health emergency by the WHO, governments worldwide are intensifying preventive measures and vaccination efforts.

ECDC Raises Mpox Risk Level

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control elevated its mpox risk from “low” to “moderate” after Sweden confirmed a case of the more contagious and deadlier Clade 1 variant. This strain, linked to a surge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has raised concerns over potential imported cases across Europe.

People with HIV or weakened immune systems and malnourished are at higher risk of severe complications from mpox, including flu-like symptoms, lesions, and muscular pain, making them more vulnerable to the virus’s effects.

Vaccination Push: New Approvals Sought for Adolescents

Bavarian Nordic, the maker of the monkeypox vaccine, is responding to the WHO’s call for action by seeking approval to extend the vaccine’s availability to younger age groups.

The vaccine, already approved for adults, has shown promising results in adolescents aged 12-17, according to clinical data presented to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had also previously granted emergency use authorization for this age group during the 2022 outbreak.

who does not recommend mass vaccination

The WHO emphasizes that mpox, unlike Covid-19, is manageable with known control measures. While research is needed on the Clade 1b strain, mpox transmission can be controlled through surveillance, behavior change, and vaccination. The risk to the general population remains low, and mass vaccination or lockdowns are not recommended.

Chaplin stated that expanding vaccine access is crucial, especially as the virus continues to pose a threat to vulnerable populations.

A Race Against Time

With mpox spreading globally and new cases being detected in Pakistan, health authorities face a race against time to curb the virus’s spread. The KP health department, along with national agencies, is taking preventive action, but the situation remains dynamic.

As investigations into the new cases continue, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. Pakistan’s healthcare system is ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak while waiting for the results of the genetic sequencing of the virus.

The international community is also watching closely as the virus continues its march across borders, a reminder that global cooperation is essential to combat such emerging health threats.

Bottom-line

All confirmed mpox cases in Pakistan have been linked to travelers from the Middle East, with no local transmission reported. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention by reading the full article.

Vaccination is a powerful tool in safeguarding global health, preventing millions of deaths each year from diseases like measles, polio, and influenza. By introducing weakened or inactive parts of a pathogen into the body, vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight off future infections without causing illness.

This not only protects the individual but also contributes to herd immunity, helping to prevent outbreaks in communities. Recent advancements in vaccine development, such as mRNA technology, have further enhanced our ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats like COVID-19, making vaccination a cornerstone of public health efforts worldwide.

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FAQs

Mpox often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, but its hallmark is a distinctive rash. This rash evolves into blisters or sores on various body parts, including the face, palms, and genitals. In severe cases, it may cause rectal pain, eye inflammation, and secondary infections.

People at risk for mpox include those with close skin-to-skin contact, mouth-to-mouth contact, or close face-to-face interactions with an infected person. Additionally, anyone handling contaminated clothing, bedding, or surfaces can be at risk. Health workers must use proper protective measures when caring for patients.

Mpox can spread through any close contact, including kissing and sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with an infected person. Those with multiple or new partners are at higher risk. To reduce risk, communicate openly with partners, consider reducing sexual activity, and use condoms. Mpox may be present in areas difficult to see.

If your are caring a child then you must follow these guidelines ;

Limiting Contact: Children can catch mpox from close contact with infected individuals. Precautions should be taken, especially if the child shows symptoms similar to mpox.
Seeking Medical Help: Consult a healthcare provider if mpox symptoms are present for proper testing and care.
Monitoring and Facility Care: Children may be at higher risk of severe disease and should be closely monitored. They may need to be cared for in a health facility.
Breastfeeding Considerations: If a breastfeeding parent has mpox, they should seek advice from a healthcare provider about the risks and measures to reduce transmission while continuing to breastfeed. The potential for mpox transmission through breast milk is still under study.

Immunity after mpox is not fully understood, and reionnfections can occur. Even if you’ve had mpox before, continue to avoid re-infection. If you’ve had mpox and someone in your household currently has it, you can help protect others as a caregiver due to possible immunity, but still take all precautions to avoid exposure.

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