In a recent development, Pakistan has identified three cases of the mpox virus, as confirmed by the health department in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to Reuters, the infections were detected in patients who had recently arrived from the United Arab Emirates. This comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, following the emergence of a new virus variant.

Salim Khan, the Director General of Health Services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, confirmed that two patients have tested positive for mpox, while the third patient’s samples are pending confirmation from the National Health Institute in Islamabad. All three individuals are currently under quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus.

A spokesperson from Pakistan’s national health ministry also reported one suspected case of mpox. Meanwhile, global health officials have identified a new strain of the mpox virus in Sweden, linking it to a growing outbreak in Africa.

Provinces have been instructed to appoint focal persons to monitor and report developments related to the detection of the disease.

It is important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent spread of monkeypox a global emergency just a day ago.

The WHO’s declaration of a global public health emergency underscores the seriousness of the situation, as the virus continues to spread beyond its initial epicenter in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since January 2023, the Congo has reported 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths, primarily affecting children. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, can result in a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, and may lead to severe illness in some individuals.

As the situation unfolds, health authorities worldwide are on high alert, working to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further outbreaks.