Pakistan Reports First Mpox Case Following Sweden

Pakistan's confirmation of its first mpox case on Friday underscores global concerns following Sweden's detection of the Clade 1 variant. This variant, linked to severe outbreaks in Africa, has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO)  to declare a public health emergency and increase international surveillance. With heightened vigilance, health authorities are focused on preventing further spread and accelerating vaccine efforts, reports Reuters. 

The patient, a 34-year-old from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is currently receiving treatment, and authorities have sent samples to Islamabad for further analysis. Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms, pus-filled lesions, and muscular pain. While generally mild, the virus can be fatal, particularly in children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. With more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported in Africa this year, the current figures have already surpassed last year’s total, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounting for over 96% of all cases and fatalities, reveals UN News. 

Pakistan’s Health Ministry has directed border officials and airport staff to enforce strict surveillance, especially for passengers displaying symptoms of mpox, as global health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has raised its risk level for mpox from “low” to “moderate,” warning of an increased likelihood of imported cases following the discovery of Clade 1 in Sweden.

Sweden’s Public Health Agency confirmed its first case of Clade 1 mpox, a severe variant of the virus, on Thursday, reports MBN. Officials confirm that the infected individual had recently traveled to an area in Africa experiencing a significant outbreak of mpox Clade 1. This variant, which spreads more easily through close contact, has been responsible for a deadly surge in the DRC, with cases now reported in several other African nations including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

In response to the situation, France has elevated its public health alert to the highest level, especially following its hosting of the Olympics. WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern, urging governments to mobilize resources for research, health system support, and vaccination efforts.

WHO has advised against travel restrictions, emphasizing that such measures are ineffective in curbing the virus's spread. However, countries like China are stepping up preventive measures, including screening people and goods entering the country for mpox, reports Al Jazeera. 

Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic has announced plans to produce up to 10 million doses of its mpox vaccine by 2025 and is seeking European approval to expand its vaccine's use to children aged 12 and above, reports Al Jazeera.