The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over the growing spread of monkeypox, prompting the Punjab Health Department to issue an alert across the province.
As a result, all airports in Pakistan have been directed to closely monitor suspected individuals, particularly those arriving from abroad. The Punjab Health Department's advisory calls for direct surveillance of passengers and the immediate quarantine of anyone exhibiting symptoms of monkeypox.
Additionally, the advisory instructs all government hospitals to test any suspected cases without delay. In a proactive measure, the department has sent letters to all district health authorities across Punjab, urging them to remain vigilant. "All government and private hospitals have been ordered to issue a monkeypox advisory."
All suspected cases of monkeypox should be tested immediately, as per the advisory.
This response follows the recent global concerns surrounding a new strain of monkeypox, known as M-pox, which has been detected in parts of Africa, particularly in Congo and neighbouring regions. WHO has declared the outbreak a global emergency.
In African countries, both children and adults have been affected by this new variant, with over 17,000 suspected cases reported and 517 confirmed deaths across 13 countries, according to the Ministry of Health.
A special meeting has been called at the National Institute of Health (NIH) to discuss preventive measures, under the direction of the Prime Minister's Coordinator, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath. The meeting, set to take place at the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), will focus on national preparedness to combat the spread of M-pox.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath confirmed that no cases of the new M-pox variant have been reported in Pakistan thus far. Nevertheless, he emphasized that all airports in the country are on high alert, with enhanced screening systems being implemented at entry points.
The Health Ministry, along with national and provincial public health laboratories, is also on standby to confirm any potential cases of the virus, as the World Health Organization declares M-pox a global emergency, said the coordinator.
As part of the country's response to the global health threat, Dr. Bharath assured that Pakistan is adhering to the recommendations of the international health regulations and is closely monitoring the evolving situation. The screening system at all entrances to the country is being further strengthened, while all airports are also ensuring screening system, Dr. Bharath remarked.
He stressed that epidemics have no borders and that federal hospitals have been instructed to implement strict preventive measures to minimize the risk of an outbreak. "National and provincial public health laboratories are also ready to confirm M-pox virus," he asserted.
The WHO's declaration of monkeypox as a global emergency highlights the urgent need for countries to bolster their public health defenses. Pakistan's preparedness, particularly through enhanced monitoring and screening at airports, is a critical step in preventing the potential spread of the virus within the country.
