Pakistan's health authorities have identified the nation's first case of a new mpox variant, potentially more transmissible than previous strains. This development comes shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the spread of mpox as a global health emergency.
The case was detected in a male patient who had recently returned from an unspecified Middle Eastern country. This marks only the second confirmed instance of the new variant outside of Africa, with the first reported in Sweden just a day earlier.
Dr. Irshad Roghani, the director of public health for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, confirmed that the infected individual is experiencing mild symptoms. He stated, "Contact tracing of the affected person has been started and samples of more people are being obtained."
In response to this discovery, Pakistan's health ministry has implemented stringent measures at border crossings and airports. Officials are now required to conduct thorough surveillance and collect samples for testing from any travelers showing symptoms of the disease upon return from abroad.
The identification of this new variant raises concerns about its potential for increased transmissibility. Dr. Roghani revealed that since 2022, 300 individuals have been tested for mpox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with two positive cases detected in 2023 and this latest case being the first in 2024.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first discovered in 1958 in a colony of research monkeys. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with an incubation period typically ranging from 6 to 13 days.
The WHO has reported a significant increase in mpox cases and deaths in Africa this year, surpassing last year's figures. Over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been recorded, with more than 96% occurring in Congo. This surge underscores the ongoing challenges in controlling the spread of the virus in endemic regions.
"There have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year, which already exceed last year's figures. More than 96% of all cases and deaths have been in Congo."
The global mpox situation remains complex, with the United Arab Emirates reporting 16 confirmed cases since 2022. The UAE's role as a major international travel hub connecting East and West potentially contributes to its vulnerability to transnational outbreaks.
As health authorities worldwide continue to monitor the situation, it is crucial to remember that vaccines developed for smallpox have shown effectiveness against mpox. Additionally, antiviral drugs used in smallpox treatment may also be beneficial in managing mpox cases.
The emergence of this new variant serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance, research, and international cooperation in addressing global health challenges.