The first case of monkeypox (mpox) infection in humans in Asia has been detected in Pakistan, the country’s Health Ministry said, stressing that further research would be needed to determine the strain. Interfax reports, citing AP.
A resident of the city of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was diagnosed with mpox. It is known that he recently returned to Pakistan from the Middle East.
The Health Ministry of Pakistan has instructed border guards and airport workers to closely monitor those arriving in the country and test them for the disease, if they have suspicious symptoms.
This is the second case of infection outside Africa: the first was registered on August 15 in Sweden.
The WHO declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern on August 14.
Typical symptoms of mpox:
- A skin rash or lesions on the mucous membranes that can last 2-4 weeks;
- Fever;
- Headache;
- Muscle and back pain;
- Weakness and swollen lymph nodes.
People can get infected with mpox through physical contact with an infected person, contaminated objects, or infected animals.
