KP Reports New Mpox Case, Total Rises to 8 in 2025
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) health department has confirmed a new case of mpox (monkeypox) in the Khyber tribal district, bringing the province’s total infections this year to eight.
Key Details:
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Patient Profile: A 31-year-old man screened at Bacha Khan International Airport while departing for Dubai.
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Travel History: Arrived in Pakistan on April 16; likely contracted the virus in the UAE.
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Diagnosis: Tested positive at Khyber Medical University (KMU)’s Public Health Lab.
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Isolation: Shifted to Services Hospital, Peshawar, for quarantine.
Provincial Mpox Trends:
| Year | Cases | Source Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | UAE, Saudi Arabia |
| 2024 | 7 | UAE, Saudi Arabia |
| 2025 | 8* (so far) | UAE, Saudi Arabia |
| Total: 17 cases in three years. |
Health Department’s Response:
✔ Enhanced Airport Screening: Passengers from UAE & Saudi Arabia rigorously checked.
✔ Contact Tracing: District health teams alerted for surveillance.
✔ Public Advisory: Urged to report symptoms (fever, rash, lesions) promptly.
Expert Assessment:
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No Local Spread: Strict isolation protocols have prevented community transmission.
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Efficient Detection: KP’s airport screening outperforms other provinces.
Quote: “All patients were infected abroad. Our system ensures early detection and containment.” — Health Officials
Global Context:
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Mpox remains endemic in Africa, but outbreaks linked to Middle Eastern travel.
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Pakistan’s Strategy: Focus on travel-related cases rather than local outbreaks.
Next Steps:
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Continued airport vigilance for inbound travelers.
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Public awareness on hygiene and symptom reporting.
