RAWALPINDI: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed another case of monkeypox in Rawalpindi. As per an announcement on X, the NIH reported that the patient is receiving proper medical care. A team from the NIH, operating under the Ministry of NHSR&C, is conducting epidemiological inquiries and contact tracing.
The NHSR&C confirmed the situation, stating, “The Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination (NHSR&C) confirms that one case of monkeypox has been tested positive and the patient is currently hospitalized for management in Rawalpindi.”
Health authorities are meticulously monitoring the contacts and family members of the patient. Currently, there is no threat of the disease spreading further within Pakistan, the announcement emphasized.
This incident is the sixth documented case of monkeypox in Pakistan with the first case having been reported in Islamabad on April 25. Following that, additional cases have been identified in Lahore and Karachi.
What is monkeypox?
Researchers in Denmark initially identified the monkeypox virus in 1958, affecting research monkeys. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first documented case in humans in 1970, which occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and involved a nine-month-old boy.
A global outbreak of the virus occurred during 2022-2023. The disease’s symptoms include rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever, although most individuals experience a complete recovery. The rashes can progress to form blisters or lesions.
Common symptoms include:
– Rash
– Fever
– Sore throat
– Headache
– Muscle aches
– Back pain
– Low energy
– Swollen lymph nodes
Monkeypox is a contagious disease that can spread to others. The patients fully recover when their skin forms a new layer and the rashes or blisters heal completely.
