ISLAMABAD: Authorities have confirmed the passing of a 40-year-old patient undergoing treatment for both monkeypox and HIV at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad two days ago.
The patient, who arrived from Saudi Arabia, had been receiving medical care for monkeypox at PIMS for the past one and a half months, facing the complex challenges posed by both monkeypox (m-pox) and HIV.
The intertwining health conditions underscore the heightened vulnerability of individuals with compromised immune systems.
NIH Refutes Monkeypox Fatality at PIMS
Contrary to earlier reports, the National Institute of Health (NIH) dismisses the notion of a monkeypox-related death at PIMS. The institute’s spokesperson clarifies that the unfortunate passing is attributed to complications arising from HIV.
The official statement highlights that Pakistan has recorded a total of 8 individuals infected with m-pox, according to the National Institute of Health.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox (m-pox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus. Two different clades exist: clade I and clade II.
Common symptoms of m-pox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission to humans can occur through physical contact with infectious individuals, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
Laboratory confirmation of m-pox involves testing skin lesion material by PCR.
Supportive care is the primary treatment for m-pox, with vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox approved for use in some countries under specific circumstances.
