Faisalabad reports rise in suspected monkeypox cases

FAISALABAD: Two more people showing symptoms of monkeypox were moved to an isolation ward in Faisalabad over the past 24 hours, officials said, as authorities reported a rise in cases in the area.

The suspected patients, a homemaker and a factory worker, were transferred from the medical emergency unit after presenting with fever and skin rashes, the hospital administration said.

Health officials said that Faisalabad has so far recorded 18 monkeypox cases. One patient has died during treatment, while others are receiving care at different hospitals.

Hospitals have urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience unusual fever, rashes or other suspected symptoms to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

The provincial health department said it was closely monitoring the situation and tightening preventive measures.

Last year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency after an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries.

Mpox can spread through close contact. Usually mild, it is fatal in rare cases. It causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.

The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. But a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact.

It has spread from Congo to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering the action from the WHO.