The provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing a monkeypox (mpox) scare after three cases of the rare viral disease were detected in the city.
The three patients, who belong to different parts of Peshawar, are currently undergoing treatment and isolation at the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH).
According to the health officials, the patients had travelled to Nigeria for a religious event and returned to Pakistan a few weeks ago. They developed symptoms such as fever, headache, and a pox-like rash that covered their bodies.
The samples of the patients were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, where they were confirmed to have mpox.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus, which is related to the virus that causes smallpox. It is mainly found in tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa.
Mpox can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. It can also be transmitted from animals to people through contact with infected animals or their meat.
The symptoms of mpox include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is usually mild and most people recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, some cases may develop serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or eye infections .
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for mpox. The best way to prevent mpox is to avoid contact with infected people or animals, and to practice good hygiene. People who have been exposed to mpox should seek medical attention as soon as possible .
The health department has initiated an investigation to trace the contacts of the confirmed cases and to monitor their health status. It has also issued an alert to the public and the health workers to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of mpox.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been informed of the outbreak and is providing technical support and guidance to the health authorities.