Enhanced surveillance and screening for Monkeypox, says Dr Mukhtar Ahmad

On Saturday, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, announced that the government has developed a thorough strategy to safeguard the public from Monkeypox (Mpox).

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that the public not to be concerned, as only one case of Mpox has been reported in Pakistan. He also noted that surveillance and screening measures are in effect at all airports and entry points.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that in the provinces including the federal capital, laboratories are allocated for the diagnosis of Mpox. He said that cases of Mpox have been reported from Africa and people coming from Africa, America and the Gulf countries will be monitored.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Federal capital and the provinces have taken steps on a joint priority basis. He said that the Ministry of Health is ensuring continuous monitoring daily and the government is closely monitoring the situation.

He said that the ministry is in full contact with the provinces and on the instructions of the prime minister, a meeting is being conducted on daily basis. He appealed to the public to isolate themselves at home if their family has a travel history and Mpox symptoms.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad added in such a situation contact a qualified doctor and follow the doctor’s instructions in case of having any such symptoms.

He noted that the virus has been detected in 99,000 people worldwide, with only 200 deaths reported, while the rest have recovered. He explained that symptoms might take 10 to 15 days to manifest and that prolonged contact with an infected person can facilitate its spread.

He advised it is better if the patient is quarantined, he said adding that fever medicines are used for Mpox.