In response to the increasing cases of Mpox globally, particularly in African countries, and the recent outbreak of the Zika virus in Pune, India, the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has issued a nationwide alert. On Wednesday, officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed that the NCOC has urged the Border Health Services (BHS) to enforce strict vigilance at all points of entry.
During an emergency meeting, the NCOC highlighted the importance of maintaining strict surveillance at all airports and border crossings. Provincial health departments have also been alerted to monitor potential outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, which pose a significant threat during the ongoing monsoon season. The accumulation of rainwater has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of these diseases spreading within Pakistan.
NIH officials reported that several countries, including those in Africa, have seen an increase in Mpox cases. The recent rise in Zika virus cases in Pune, India, has prompted the NCOC to advise the BHS to screen international travelers for Mpox and Zika virus upon entry into Pakistan.
Over the past year, Pakistan has confirmed nine cases of Mpox, all among travelers returning from the Middle East and other countries. Unfortunately, one patient, co-infected with HIV and Mpox, succumbed to the illness in Islamabad.
During a special session on Mpox, the NCOC noted that 15 African countries are currently reporting Mpox cases, with a total of 2,030 confirmed cases. Notably, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, previously unaffected by Mpox, have reported cases since mid-July 2024.
According to NIH officials, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a cumulative total of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases, including 208 deaths, across 162 countries from January 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024.
