Pakistan has confirmed its first Mpox case of 2025, identified at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar during routine screening by Border Health Services. The patient, who tested positive, had a recent travel history linked to Gulf countries, according to the Ministry of Health. This case brings the total number of Mpox cases in Pakistan to 10 since the health emergency was declared.
Health officials have assured the public that strict screening systems are in place at all airports to prevent the spread of the virus. “We are committed to safeguarding public health,” said Dr. Mukhtar Bharth, Health Coordinator. He emphasized that both federal and provincial governments are actively working to combat Mpox, ensuring compliance with International Health Regulations.
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The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Advisor, Ehtesham Ali, confirmed that the infected individual, a 35-year-old who arrived from Dubai, was immediately transferred to Police Services Hospital for testing. The patient’s samples were later confirmed positive for Mpox at the Public Health Reference Lab. Authorities are currently conducting contact tracing to identify and monitor passengers who may have been exposed during the flight.
This case marks the first Mpox infection of 2025, with seven cases reported in 2024 and two in 2023. Public health officials have urged people to remain vigilant, practise social distancing, and follow preventive guidelines to limit the virus’s spread.
While the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency in August 2024 due to a mutated strain of Mpox, clade I, Pakistan has not yet reported any cases of this new variant. Screening protocols at airports and border crossings remain rigorous to ensure public safety.
