PESHAWAR: Pakistan has confirmed its fifth case of monkeypox, this time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Provincial Health Minister Qasim Ali Shah announced that a 33-year-old resident of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, tested positive for the virus. The patient, who had returned from Saudi Arabia on September 7, was diagnosed at Khyber Teaching Hospital and is currently in isolation at his home in Lower Dir.
In response to the rising monkeypox cases, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an urgent advisory about the unprecedented global outbreak of the virus. This advisory provides a detailed overview of the current situation and outlines recommended measures for prevention, detection, and response.
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Health authorities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations are urged to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, and implement strong preventive measures to contain the spread of monkeypox. The public is advised to stay informed, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Although its natural reservoir is not yet identified, African rodents and non-human primates, such as monkeys, are suspected to carry and transmit the virus to humans.
Symptoms typically begin with a fever, followed by a rash that appears 1 to 3 days later. The rash starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, progressing through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs. Additional symptoms can include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 14 days but can vary between 5 and 21 days. The illness usually lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.
