On Tuesday, officials confirmed that two cases of monkeypox had been discovered in Islamabad, both of which had traveled from Saudi Arabia.
The victims’ identities have been protected, and the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad has confirmed the presence of the virus in samples submitted there.
The Sindh Health Services Directorate General issued a directive ordering hospitals to set aside five to ten rooms specifically for the isolation of monkeypox patients within 24 hours.
Safe and effective patient care requires that the area be outfitted with infection control measures like negative pressure, hand hygiene facilities, and personal protective equipment.
According to the report, preventing the spread of monkeypox in Sindh requires constant vigilance for the detection of any suspected cases and the readiness to immediately begin response efforts.
Persons with a history of travel to epidemic countries where monkey cases are reported and an acute illness characterized by fever >38.3°C (101°F), intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia, and intense asthenia, followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash that typically begins on the face (most dense) and then spreads elsewhere on the body, including the soles of feet and palms of hands, should be considered possible cases.
State and private hospital administrations of Islamabad and other parts of country are thus urged to “support for the suspected monkeypox cases by sharing information immediately” (with Additional Director Preventive Dr. Saqib Sheikh; phone: 0300-2247244; email: drsaqibalishaikh@gmail.com; physical address: Director Health Services, Civic Centre, 6th Floor, Hassan Square, Karachi; and Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Unit in-charge at the Sindh Health Services Directorate General
Monkeypox is spreading quickly
Since January 2022, 110 countries in all six WHO regions had recorded instances of monkeypox.
Laboratory verified cases as of April 25, 2023, were 87,113, with 130 fatalities reported to WHO.
The people of Sindh have been asked to keep an eye out for possible cases of monkeypox after Islamabad’s verified cases and to be ready to respond quickly in order to stop its spread.
Rare and sometimes lethal, monkeypox is quite similar to smallpox. In 1958, the disease was initially identified when study monkeys began experiencing outbreaks of a pox-like illness. The virus can spread from rodents and primates to humans, and it can also be spread directly from human to human through bodily fluids or respiratory droplets.
Authorities have urged anyone experiencing these symptoms who has recently returned from an afflicted location to seek medical assistance promptly.
The situation is being monitored thoroughly after detections of cases in Islamabad, and additional information will be supplied when it becomes available.
Security measures against disease have been taken in Karachi and Islamabad
The airport security personnel in Karachi and Islamabad have been put on high alert by the health department, who have ordered them to wear protective equipment and masks while checking passengers and looking for signs of monkeypox.
Passengers showing symptoms should be taken to an isolation ward that has been set up at the Karachi airport.
These individuals should also undergo urgent medical testing, with sending results to Dr. Fahad Memon, Assistant Director of the PDSRU, via his mobile phone (03313373279).
Every day, between 5,000 and 7,000 people arrive in Karachi via one of the airport’s 30 to 40 international flights.
The country’s airports have also been given instructions by the Border Health Services.
There would be mandatory screening for all international arrivals. Their passports and tickets would be tucked away in undisclosed envelopes. The airline employees will be outfitted with masks and gloves for safety.
Airport protocol services have been suspended in an effort to contain the infection. Workers from the health department will use germicide spray to disinfect travellers’ bags. They’ll also be stocked with PPE, or personal protective equipment.
Individual checks will be performed on all passengers heading for Saudi Arabia on Umrah pilgrimages. These regulations will be enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Airport Security Force.
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