Peshawar Pakistan — June 1 2025
Pakistan has confirmed its first case of Mpox formerly known as Monkeypox at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health authorities reported on Saturday. This development has raised concerns among health officials and the general public especially in light of the virus’s global resurgence.
Case Identified at Peshawar Airport
The infected individual a 31-year-old male passenger was returning from the United Arab Emirates UAE when he began showing symptoms consistent with Mpox during the mandatory health screening at the airport. According to the Directorate of Health Services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa airport medical staff flagged the patient due to visible skin lesions fever and swollen lymph nodes — key indicators of Mpox infection.
After an initial assessment the passenger was placed in isolation and samples were immediately sent to the National Institute of Health NIH in Islamabad for confirmation. Laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of the Mpox virus in the individual.
Health Authorities Respond Swiftly
In response to the confirmed case the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination activated emergency protocols. The infected individual was transferred to a designated isolation facility at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. He is currently in stable condition receiving supportive care under close observation.
The Ministry issued a statement confirming the case and assured the public that contact tracing efforts are underway. We have begun tracing all passengers and crew members who may have had close contact with the patient during the flight and while at the airport. They are being monitored and tested accordingly said Dr Muhammad Iqbal Afridi Director General Health of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Government Enhances Surveillance and Screening
Following the detection authorities have heightened health screenings at all major international airports across Pakistan including Karachi Lahore Islamabad and Quetta. Passengers arriving from Mpox-affected countries are now subject to thermal screening physical inspection for rashes and symptom checks.
The Federal Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan held a press conference stressing the importance of vigilance. “While this is Pakistan’s first confirmed case in 2025 it is critical that we remain proactive. Our border health surveillance teams have been put on high alert” he said.
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Understanding Mpox A Reemerging Global Health Concern
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. The disease typically causes fever headache muscle aches back pain swollen lymph nodes chills exhaustion and a characteristic rash. It is primarily transmitted from person to person through close physical contact including skin-to-skin contact bodily fluids and respiratory droplets.
In recent years especially since 2022 Mpox has reemerged in several countries outside of its traditional endemic zones in Central and West Africa. In 2022–2023 thousands of cases were reported in Europe North America and parts of Asia leading the World Health Organization WHO to declare Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern though that status was lifted in 2023.
Public Health Advisory Issued
In the wake of this case the Ministry of Health has issued public advisories urging citizens to observe personal hygiene and report any suspicious symptoms immediately. Individuals who have recently traveled to or from regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks are advised to undergo medical screening and self-isolate if symptoms develop.
Hospitals and clinics across the country have been instructed to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases immediately. Medical staff have also been provided with updated training on Mpox identification isolation and management protocols.
No Cause for Panic Say Experts
Health experts are urging the public to stay calm but cautious. Dr Saima Riaz a virologist at the NIH noted that the virus while contagious does not spread as rapidly as COVID19. “Mpox requires close and prolonged contact for transmission. It is manageable with timely diagnosis and isolation” she said.
Vaccines and antiviral treatments originally developed for smallpox have shown effectiveness in reducing Mpox severity and spread. Although routine vaccination for smallpox ended in Pakistan decades ago the government is exploring options for limited use of existing vaccines for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers and airport staff.
International Cooperation and WHO Monitoring
The World Health Organization has been notified of the case in accordance with international health regulations. WHO regional officials are coordinating with Pakistan’s health ministry to monitor the situation and provide technical support where necessary.
“This single case is a reminder that Mpox has not disappeared. We commend Pakistan’s quick response and emphasize the need for regional cooperation to prevent further spread” a WHO spokesperson stated.
Conclusion Vigilance Key to Containment
As Pakistan deals with its first Mpox case of 2025 government agencies health professionals and the public are being called upon to act responsibly and in coordination. While the current case is isolated the risk of further transmission remains if preventive measures are not taken seriously.
This incident highlights the importance of sustained investment in public health infrastructure international travel protocols and disease awareness. With timely action Pakistan hopes to prevent a larger outbreak and protect public health at a national level.
For updates citizens are encouraged to follow the Ministry of Health’s official channels and contact local health offices in case of symptoms or inquiries.