Pakistan has reported its first case of mpox in 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health. The patient, who arrived from Dubai on January 24, tested positive for the virus during routine screening at Peshawar Airport.
This case marks the tenth instance of mpox in Pakistan since the country declared a health emergency. The patient has been admitted to Services Hospital in Peshawar for treatment. Officials revealed that the individual had recently traveled to several Gulf countries, raising fears about the virus potentially spreading further.
In another related case, airport authorities in Peshawar identified a passenger arriving from Sharjah with symptoms of mpox. The individual, Javed Ahmed from Rajanpur, was immediately placed in an isolation ward as a precautionary measure.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by the mpox virus. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected humans or animals. Symptoms of mpox include a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue are also common.
Health experts warn that symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure, with the illness lasting between two to four weeks. The confirmation of mpox in Pakistan highlights the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Authorities have urged travelers returning from high-risk regions to undergo thorough screening and report any symptoms immediately. Pakistan previously recorded a significant number of mpox cases in 2023, making this an ongoing public health concern.
