Islamabad, Sep 17: NIH Receives Technical Report on Sixth Monkeypox Case in Pakistan
According to sources, the report from Border Health Services detailed that a 44-year-old man named Farooq from Gujrat, Punjab, arrived in Pakistan from Riyadh on September 14.
Farooq was isolated due to suspected monkeypox symptoms identified during screening. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of the monkeypox virus in him, and testing of his family members is currently ongoing, according to NIH sources.
Pakistan has now reported a total of six monkeypox cases, including five from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
What is Monkeypox Virus?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. While the exact natural reservoir of the virus is unknown, it is suspected that African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor and transmit the virus to humans.
The disease typically begins with a fever, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash evolves through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.
Additional symptoms can include headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period is generally between 7 to 14 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. The illness typically lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.
