Pakistan Reports Second Mpox-Related Death
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has reported its second death linked to mpox after a 53-year-old man from Faisalabad died while under treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), health officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to hospital and health authorities, the patient was admitted to PIMS with extensive skin and genital lesions consistent with mpox and passed away on Saturday, February 7, during the course of treatment.
This is the second mpox-associated fatality recorded in the country.
Officials said the patient had no recent travel history, indicating possible local transmission of the virus within Pakistan. Public health experts say the case strengthens concerns that mpox is circulating domestically, pointing to evidence of community spread.
The deceased was a known patient of HIV and was also co-infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Doctors said his immune system was severely compromised, with an extremely low CD4 count, placing him at high risk of severe disease. He had reportedly initiated antiretroviral therapy only a few months prior to his hospitalization.
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Health officials said the patient had experienced widespread skin and genital lesions for nearly a month before seeking hospital care. Despite medical management, his condition worsened due to advanced immunosuppression and multiple underlying health conditions.
The latest fatality follows Pakistan’s first mpox-related death reported in Islamabad in December 2023. Authorities noted that both fatalities involved patients with significant co-morbidities, particularly HIV infection, underscoring the vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals.
Officials from the federal health ministry and the National Institute of Health said Pakistan recorded 53 confirmed mpox cases last year, most identified through surveillance at points of entry and healthcare facilities. However, the absence of travel history in the latest case has heightened concerns about ongoing local transmission, prompting calls for stronger surveillance and early detection measures.
Public health experts said mpox spreads through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact, and can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems. They stressed the importance of early testing, isolation of suspected cases, and timely treatment, particularly among high-risk groups.
Health authorities said contact tracing is underway to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the patient. They also urged clinicians to remain vigilant and consider mpox in patients presenting with unexplained rashes or genital lesions.
Experts advised the public that mpox is not an airborne disease and that avoiding close contact with suspected cases and seeking prompt medical attention for unusual symptoms can help reduce the risk of transmission.
