25–30 Suspected Monkeypox Cases Reported in Khairpur
News Desk
Islamabad: A monkeypox outbreak has been reported in Khairpur, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate notice and direct authorities to take swift action.
According to officials, the situation is being investigated at the federal level, while a team of experts from the National Institute of Health (NIH) has been dispatched from Islamabad to Khairpur to assess the outbreak and support containment efforts.
The NIH has expressed concern over delays in the reporting of cases by provincial authorities and has urged them to promptly share all relevant data.
Officials warned that any delay in reporting could hinder national response efforts and Pakistan’s obligation to timely report to the World Health Organization (WHO), noting that concealment or late reporting may contribute to further spread of the disease.
Authorities have instructed that monkeypox samples be sent to laboratories in Islamabad for testing.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health has directed enhanced screening at airports and increased surveillance measures across the country.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/health-alert-nih-flags-congo-fever-threat-during-eid/
Health officials stated that between 25 to 30 suspected cases were reported in Khairpur in the past day.
In view of the situation, precautionary measures have also been intensified across the Sukkur and other affected divisions
. The Sindh Information Department and the Commissioner Sukkur Division have issued alerts regarding a measles-like skin disease, advising the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Health experts have urged individuals to consult medical facilities if they experience symptoms such as fever, blisters (commonly on the face, hands, and feet), swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, or severe weakness. They emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and isolation of suspected cases to prevent further transmission.
Preventive guidelines include maintaining personal hygiene, frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and using masks and gloves when caring for affected persons.
People are also advised to avoid sharing personal items and to ensure contaminated items are properly cleaned with hot water and soap.
Control rooms have been established in Sukkur, Khairpur, and Ghotki districts to facilitate public assistance and reporting of suspected cases.
Citizens have been encouraged to contact the relevant district control rooms or deputy commissioners’ offices for guidance and medical support.
The administration has also made helpline numbers available for Sukkur (03117123122), Khairpur (03037700650), and Ghotki (03012422067).
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have reiterated the need for public cooperation to contain the outbreak effectively.
