Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health announced on Thursday that the country has identified its first suspected case of monkeypox (Mpox), as reported by 24 News HD TV channel.

According to the health ministry’s spokesperson, the suspected case involves a citizen from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa who recently returned from a Gulf country. The individual displayed symptoms consistent with Mpox, and samples have been taken and sent for confirmation.

The affected individual is reportedly experiencing mild symptoms. Health officials are currently tracing and testing those who have been in contact with him to prevent any potential spread of the virus.

In response to this development, the health ministry has instructed all provinces to appoint focal persons for monitoring monkeypox cases. Additionally, Border Health Services have been directed to enhance monitoring at all entry points to detect and manage any further cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the spread of a new strain of Mpox in Congo and other parts of Africa as a global health emergency. The virus has affected both children and adults, with confirmed cases emerging across several African countries.

To date, 13 countries have reported Mpox cases, resulting in 517 deaths. This year alone, over 17,000 suspected cases have been reported in African nations, underscoring the urgency of global health measures to control the outbreak.