There have been two confirmed instances of monkeypox in Islamabad. An isolation unit has been established at the Karachi airport, and travelers who exhibit symptoms will be sent there.
KARACHI/ISLAMABAD:
Officials announced on Tuesday that two instances of monkeypox, which originated in Saudi Arabia, had been found in Islamabad.
The victims’ identities have been kept private, and samples were sent to Islamabad’s National Institute of Health (NIH), which verified the virus’s presence.
According to a warning from the Sindh Health Services Directorate General, hospital administrators must set up a designated facility with five to ten rooms for isolation of cases of monkeypox within 24 hours.
To offer patients with safe and effective care, the space should have the necessary infection control measures, such as negative pressure, hand hygiene facilities, and personal protective equipment.
It further stated that it was crucial to maintain vigilance for the discovery of any suspected cases and to be ready to undertake response initiatives in order to stop the spread of the monkeypox disease in Sindh.
“If anyone presents with acute illness with fever >38.3°C (101°F), intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia, and intense asthenia followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face (most dense) and then spreading elsewhere on the body, including soles of feet and palms of hands, along with travel history of epidemic countries where monkey cases are reported [they are suspected cases],” it continued.
“Therefore, you [administrators of state-run and private hospitals] are requested to support the suspected cases of monkeypox by sharing information as soon as possible [with Additional Director Preventive Dr. Saqib Sheikh Phone: 0300-2247244, Email: drsaqibalishaikh@gmail.com, Official Address: Director Health Services, Civic Centre, 6th Floor, Hassan Square, Karachi; and Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Unit in-charge
Additionally, it stated that since January 2022, 110 member states across all six WHO regions had reported cases of monkeypox to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“As of April 25, 2023, there have been 87,113 laboratory-confirmed cases and 130 deaths reported to WHO,” the article stated.
The general population has been encouraged to maintain vigilance for the discovery of any suspected cases and to be ready to start reaction efforts to stop the spread of the monkeypox disease in Sindh.
Similar to smallpox, monkeypox is a rare condition that can be lethal. When outbreaks of a condition resembling the pox occurred in monkeys held for research in 1958, the disease was first identified. Animals like rodents and monkeys can spread the virus to humans, and direct contact with bodily fluids or respiratory droplets can also result in human-to-human transmission.
If someone experiences these symptoms and has traveled in the past to one of the impacted places, the authorities have encouraged them to seek medical assistance right away.
It stated, “The situation is being closely watched, and additional updates will be given as the situation develops.”
The workforce at the Karachi airport has been placed on high alert by the Sindh health department, who has also instructed them to look for monkeypox symptoms while screening passengers and to wear protective clothes and masks.
Passengers should be moved to the isolation ward already set up at the Karachi airport if symptoms are discovered.
These suspected patients should also undergo emergency medical testing, which should be reported to Dr. Fahad Memon, assistant director of PDSRU, at his cellphone number, 03313373279.
Every day, 30 to 40 flights with 5,000 to 7,000 people each arrive at Karachi Airport from neighboring nations.
The nation’s airports have also received instructions from the Border Health Services.
All travelers entering the nation from abroad would undergo screening. The packets containing their travel documents would be taped shut. The airline’s employees will put on gloves and masks for protection.
Protocol services at the airports have been suspended to stop the virus’s spread. Employees of the health department will use germicide to spray passengers’ bags. Additionally, they will have kits for personal protection equipment.
Each traveler leaving for Saudi Arabia to do Umrah will undergo a personal inspection. These regulations will be upheld by the Airport Security Force and the Civil Aviation Authority.
