Monkeypox cases detected in Pakistan, special guidelines issued

Two cases of Monkeypox were reported in Pakistan for the first time which was also confirmed by the health department, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Sources within the health ministry told ARY News that the Monkeypox patients belong to the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Sources added that both patients arrived in Pakistan on the same flight from Saudi Arabia on April 17 and they were having symptoms of the infectious disease.

According to reports, the mpox patients were shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital and their blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The health ministry’s spokesperson confirmed the detection of Monkeypox infectious disease in accordance with the test reports of both patients released by the NIH.

According to PIMS spokesperson, one of the patients is currently admitted to the hospital in stable health condition, whereas, the second patient is quarantined in his home.

Special guidelines for airports

After the detection of Monkeypox cases, the health department issued special guidelines to the airports across the country.

As per the guidelines, the airport authorities will conduct medical examinations of all passengers arriving from foreign countries, whereas, the use of masks by the airport staff is declared mandatory. Porters have also been directed to mandatory use masks and gloves.

Moreover, passengers will not be given any protocol at the country’s airports. All passengers will undergo a complete medical examination at the health countries and suspected passengers will be immediately isolated and sent to the hospital.

The health ministry’s spokesperson said that the health regulations are being implemented at all airports and the Border and Health Services institution is keeping a close eye on the situation.

Sindh hospitals on high alert

After Monkeypox cases, hospitals across Sindh were put on high alert and the authorities issued directives to establish isolation areas for the suspected patients.

The Director General Health Services Sindh issued directives to all government hospitals to establish 5 to 10-bed isolation areas for Monkeypox patients.