The Sindh Health Department has ordered the establishment of Monkey Pox Response Units in hospitals across the province. All district health officers (DHOs) and medical superintendents have received instructions to act immediately.
Special facilitation centres will be set up in hospitals for suspected monkey pox cases. These centres will also provide round-the-clock public information and awareness about the disease. Trained staff will manage the information desks and coordinate with hospitals, surveillance teams, and emergency services.
Strict infection control measures have been emphasized by health authorities. Hospitals are required to submit reports within 48 hours to ensure timely monitoring of the outbreak.
The directive comes after tragic incidents in Khairpur, where seven children with skin illnesses lost their lives. The deputy commissioner confirmed that four of these deaths were due to monkeypox, while some children also had measles. A total of 19 children have reportedly been infected in the district. Most fatalities occurred in the Thari Mirwah area.
Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi said emergency measures are underway to contain the outbreak. Isolation wards have been established across the Sukkur Division to manage and treat affected patients. These measures aim to prevent further spread of the viral disease.
Monkey Pox is caused by the Mpox virus, a virus believed to originate in African rodents and non-human primates, including monkeys. The disease typically starts with fever, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads across the body. The rash goes through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.
Other symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period usually ranges from 7 to 14 days but can extend from 5 to 21 days. Illness generally lasts 2 to 4 weeks, with severity varying among patients.
Health officials urge the public to stay vigilant, report any suspected cases, and follow hospital guidance to prevent further infections.
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