Fresh mpox cases reported in Karachi, Islamabad

Fresh cases of mpox have been confirmed in Karachi and Islamabad, and health authorities said they have strengthened surveillance, screening, isolation and contact-tracing to stop further spread.

In Karachi, two men aged 35 and 45 from Surjani Town have tested positive and been moved to designated isolation facilities, according to health officials. One of the facilities is the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital, where precautionary measures have been put in place. Sindh health department teams are tracing close contacts of the two patients, and officials said the men are being managed according to standard clinical guidelines.

In Islamabad, a 41-year-old woman admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) last week after developing skin lesions on her face has also tested positive. Hospital sources said she was placed in the Infectious Control Ward and her samples were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH), which confirmed the mpox result. The woman is in stable condition, out of danger and showing signs of improvement, hospital officials said.

At the national level, health authorities have kept heightened surveillance at major international airports, screening incoming passengers where required and identifying people who may have had contact with suspected or confirmed cases. Officials noted that several of Pakistan's initial mpox cases were linked to international travel, but they are continuing surveillance to determine whether there is any sustained local transmission.

Health authorities urged people to remain alert but avoid panic. Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash or lesions, and anyone with symptoms, especially after close contact or travel exposure, has been advised to seek medical assessment. People have also been told to avoid close physical contact with anyone showing suspected symptoms. Early detection, timely evaluation, isolation and contact tracing remain important for limiting transmission, officials said.

The emergence of additional cases has prompted increased vigilance in Karachi, and authorities said they are monitoring whether there is any indication of further spread. Health departments in both cities remain on alert to identify and respond to additional suspected or confirmed cases.