Pakistan's first monkeypox case

 

Pakistani health authorities have confirmed the first case of mpox in the country.

The infectious viral disease, earlier known as monkeypox, was found in a 25-year-old Pakistani man who recently arrived in Islamabad from Saudi Arabia.

Sajid Shah, a health ministry official, said the patient has been quarantined in a hospital in the capital and contact tracing has begun.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that affects humans and animals, causing a wide range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and muscle pain. It is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox.

The disease was first identified in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred among monkeys used in research laboratories. The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and since then, it has been reported in several African countries, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

In 2003, the first cases of monkeypox outside of Africa were reported in the United States. The outbreak was traced back to pet prairie dogs that had been imported from Africa, and it eventually led to 47 confirmed cases of monkeypox in six states. In recent years, monkeypox outbreaks have also occurred in the UK and Singapore, highlighting the global nature of this disease.

Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected animals or humans, although it can also be spread through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. The disease is most common in rural areas of Central and West Africa, where people may come into contact with infected animals, such as rodents and primates, during hunting or through the bushmeat trade.

Symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within 5 to 21 days of infection and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash progresses to form fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over and fall off, leaving a scar. In severe cases, monkeypox can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or other complications.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Antiviral medications may be used in severe cases, but their effectiveness is uncertain. Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide some protection against monkeypox, but it is no longer routinely given since smallpox has been eradicated.

Preventing monkeypox involves avoiding contact with infected animals or humans, practicing good hygiene, and taking precautions when handling or preparing meat from wild animals. People who are at higher risk of exposure, such as those who work with animals or in healthcare settings, may need to take additional precautions, such as wearing personal protective equipment.

In conclusion, monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious disease caused by a virus that is related to smallpox. It has been reported in several African countries and has recently emerged in other parts of the world. Although there is no specific treatment for monkeypox, supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Prevention involves avoiding contact with infected animals or humans, practicing good hygiene, and taking appropriate precautions when handling or preparing meat from wild animals. By being aware of the risks and taking appropriate measures, we can reduce the spread of this disease and protect ourselves and others.